Why It Matters:
Parkinson’s is the most common neurodegenerative movement disorder, with no known cure to slow or halt its progression. Early and accurate diagnosis can significantly aid in managing the disease, and this innovative biosensor offers a promising new tool for rapid detection.
What She Is Saying:
Maryam Nikkhah, the project’s lead researcher, explained that the biosensor is designed to detect Parkinson’s biomarkers with high accuracy in bodily fluids. “Developing systems that can precisely measure these biomarkers can greatly assist physicians in correctly diagnosing and managing the disease,” she stated.
She further detailed how the sensor functions: The device consists of a vial containing red-colored gold nanoparticles attached to specific recognition molecules. When exposed to varying concentrations of Parkinson’s biomarkers, these nanoparticles aggregate and change color. “In the presence of the disease’s indicators in saliva, the nanoparticles turn purple. If the person is healthy, the solution remains red,” she noted.
Key Points:
- Researchers at Tarbiat Modares University developed a nano-biosensor for Parkinson’s diagnosis.
- The sensor changes color based on biomarkers in saliva, turning purple in affected individuals.
- It offers a simple, rapid, and highly specific detection method using gold nanoparticles.
- Results are visible without advanced lab tools, making it a practical diagnostic aid.
Go Deeper:
The study was conducted by Maryam Nikkhah, Marzieh Mousazadeh, Atiyeh Jahangiri-Manesh, and Seyedeh Fatemeh Zahra Seyedi at the university’s Nanobiotechnology Department within the Faculty of Biological Sciences. Their work underscores the growing role of nanotechnology in advancing medical diagnostics, particularly in neurodegenerative diseases where early detection is crucial for patient care. 206
