Ultrasensitive and label-free biosensor for the detection of Plasmodium falciparum histidine-rich protein II in saliva.

Malaria elimination is a global public health priority. To fulfil the demands of elimination diagnostics, we have developed an interdigitated electrode sensor platform targeting the Plasmodium falciparum Histidine Rich Protein 2 (PfHRP2) protein in saliva samples. A protocol for frequency-specific PfHRP2 detection in phosphate buffered saline was developed, yielding a sensitivity of 2.

Rapid Detection of HLA-B*57:01-Expressing Cells Using a Label-Free Interdigitated Electrode Biosensor Platform for Prevention of Abacavir Hypersensitivity in HIV Treatment.

Pre-treatment screening of individuals for human leukocyte antigens (HLA) HLA-B*57:01 is recommended for the prevention of life-threatening hypersensitivity reactions to abacavir, a drug widely prescribed for HIV treatment. However, the implementation of screening in clinical practice is hindered by the slow turnaround time and high cost of conventional HLA genotyping methods. We have developed a biosensor platform using interdigitated electrode (IDE) functionalized with a monoclonal antibody to detect cells expressing HLA-B*57:01.

Development of an Ultrasensitive Impedimetric Immunosensor Platform for Detection of Lactate Dehydrogenase.

Elimination of malaria is a global health priority. Detecting an asymptomatic carrier of parasites to receive treatment is an important step in achieving this goal. Current available tools for detection of malaria parasites are either expensive, lacking in sensitivity for asymptomatic carriers, or low in throughput.

A Label-Free, Quantitative Fecal Hemoglobin Detection Platform for Colorectal Cancer Screening.

The early detection of colorectal cancer is vital for disease management and patient survival. Fecal hemoglobin detection is a widely-adopted method for screening and early diagnosis. Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) is favored over the older generation chemical based Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) as it does not require dietary or drug restrictions, and is specific to human blood from the lower digestive tract.

Lab on a chip sensor for rapid detection and antibiotic resistance determination of Staphylococcus aureus.

The Gram-positive bacterium, Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), is a major pathogen responsible for a variety of infectious diseases ranging from cellulitis to more serious conditions such as septic arthritis and septicaemia. Timely treatment with appropriate antibiotic therapy is essential to ensure clinical defervescence and to prevent further complications such as infective endocarditis or organ impairment due to septic shock.

Vertical Nanowire Electrode Arrays as Novel Electrochemical Label-Free Immunosensors.

A new method for the fabrication of a label-free electrochemical immunosensor based on vertical nanowires (VNWs) is proposed. The VNWs are functionalized to detect antibodies against a major astrocytic structural protein component, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). It is revealed that the interaction of GFAP-antibody with functionalized VNWs leads to a clear change in device conductance and the corresponding capacitance.

Dielectric properties of liquid phase molecular clusters using the external field method: molecular dynamics study.

We analyzed the dielectric properties of molecular liquids using the external field method with reaction field approximations. The applicability of this method to determine the dielectric properties of molecules with zero (1,4-dioxane) and non-zero (water and bio-molecular aqueous solutions) permanent dipole moment was studied. The relative static dielectric constant obtained using the external field method for polar and non-polar molecular liquids, including molecules with zero permanent dipole moment, agreed well with the experimental values presented in the literature.

An ab-initio computational method to determine dielectric properties of biological materials.

Frequency dependent dielectric properties are important for understanding the structure and dynamics of biological materials. These properties can be used to study underlying biological processes such as changes in the concentration of biological materials, and the formation of chemical species. Computer simulations can be used to determine dielectric properties and atomic details inaccessible via experimental methods.

Measurement and analysis of electromagnetic fields from trams, trains and hybrid cars.

Electricity is used substantially and sources of electric and magnetic fields are, unavoidably, everywhere. The transportation system is a source of these fields, to which a large proportion of the population is exposed. Hence, investigation of the effects of long-term exposure of the general public to low-frequency electromagnetic fields caused by the transportation system is critically important.