A nanometric sensor may be able to identify biomarkers of pathological conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS), neuromyelitis optica, and certain types of cancer, according to research published in Sensors Journal.
Researchers from the Fundacao de Amparo a Pesquisa Do Estado de Sao Paulo in Brazil developed a nano biosensor originally for the purpose of detecting herbicides, heavy metals, and other pollutants.
The nano biosensor uses a silicon nitride (Si3N4) or silicon (Si) nanoprobe combined with other materials to form the detector for an enzyme, protein, or other molecule. When the molecular scaled elastic nanotip reaches a target of interest – an antibody or an antigen, for example – the probe bends to allow the two molecules to adhere. The operators then detect the deflection which was measured by the probe which permits them to identify the target. –
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