Researchers have developed a novel approach to medical diagnostics that harnesses the power of light to control the movement of biomolecules, potentially making complex tests more accessible and cost-effective.
Nature-Inspired Diagnostics
Some of the most groundbreaking technologies ever created have taken cues from nature. As we know it today, pioneers in medical diagnostics are innovating using biological principles to redefine the boundaries of what is possible
Now a team of scientists from the University of Freiburg and the INM—Leibniz Institute for New Materials have developed new testing methods called OptoAssays that require only simple light-emitting diodes (LEDs), getting rid of more complex mechanical pumps. ERICA OptoAssays work by emulating the behavior of the cells we study and by exploiting their genetic programme to manipulate the motion of biomolecules with very fine control.
Bidirectional Light Control
Classic diagnostics such as lateral flow immunoassays for rapid COVID-19 testing and also pregnancy tests, require a uni-directional flow of reagent alone by capillary forces. While the success of this method in simple tests is ample proof of concept, it is far from sufficient for more complex testing that requires moving small molecules not only into but also out of a test system.
Traditionally, they solve this challenge by using expensive and wear-prone mechanical pumps to flush out unbound molecules over and over while keeping the particles that are supposed to be detected bound to detection antibodies. But the team around Freiburger also now together with IMN has taken a new approach – they circumvent these large and expensive components.
The scientists have a feature they call OptoAssay that has no mechanical type pump, but base on light, with cheap and basic LEDs instead. Furthermore, these light-activated bioassays are nature-driven as well as to be configured for bidirectional biomolecule movement for readout of results without any extra mechanical washing steps. A unique element of this technology is the application of engineered proteins that bind or unleash targeted agents in relation to different wavelengths of light.
Conclusion
The operation of OptoAssays is a big step-advance in the provision of new medical diagnostic systems; that allows for easier, cheaper and, especially in low resource settings, more efficient ancillary tests. With examples from nature and the power of light as inspiration, this suggests that these bioassays could ultimately transform disease diagnosis, subsequently promoting an age in which affordable health care is globally accessible.
