Tiny biomolecular chambers called nanopores that can be selectively heated may help doctors diagnose disease more effectively if recent research by a team at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Wheaton College, and Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) proves effective. Though the findings* may be years away from application in the clinic, they may one day improve doctors' ability to search the bloodstream quickly for indicators of diseasea longstanding goal of medical research.
The team has pioneered work on the use of nanoporestiny chambers that mimic the ion channels in the membranes of cellsfor the detection and identification of a wide range of molecules, including DNA. Ion channels are the gateways by which the cell admits and expels materials like proteins, ions and nucleic acids. The typical ion channel is so small that only one molecule can fit inside at a time.
Previously, team members inserted a nanopore into an artificial cell membrane, which they placed between two electrodes. With this setup, they could drive individual molecules into the nanopore and trap them there for a few milliseconds, enough to explore some of their physical characteristics.
"A single molecule creates a marked change in current that flows through the pore, which allows us to measure the molecule's mass and electrical charge with high accuracy," says Joseph Reiner, a physicist at VCU who previously worked at NIST. "This enables discrimination between different molecules at high resolution. But for real-world medical work, doctors and clinicians will need even more advanced measurement capability."
A goal of the team's work is to differentiate among not just several types of molecules, but among the many thousands of different proteins and other biomarkers in our bloodstream. For example, changes in protein levels can indicate the onset of disease, but with so many similar molecules in the mix, it is important not
'/>"/>
| Contact: Chad Boutin boutin@nist.gov 301-975-4261 National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Source:Eurekalert |
Related biology news :
1. DNA prefers to dive head first into nanopores
2. Wayne State vision restoration technology receives Notice of Allowance for US patent app
3. Novel storage mechanism allows command, control of memory
4. Universal rules discovered that allow anticipation of critical transitions
5. Artificial atoms allow for magnetic resonance on individual cells
6. New guide will allow electric utilities to develop Green Button Web tools
7. A Spanish breakthrough allows the electroporation of cell cultures for less than 1 Euro
8. Celladon Corporation Receives Notice of Allowance from United States Patent and Trademark Office
9. Small, portable sensors allow users to monitor exposure to pollution on their smart phones
10. Detection, analysis of cell dust may allow diagnosis, monitoring of brain cancer
11. Long menopause allows killer whales to care for adult sons
 |
| Copyright © 2003-2012 Bio-Medicine. All rights reserved. ABOUT | CONTACT US | DISCLAIMER | PRIVACY POLICY | TERMS AND CONDITIONS |  |