Researchers at the University of California at Riverside have developed a tool capable of detecting diseases from a single molecule. This innovation, based on nanopore technology, could transform the way we diagnose infections and chronic diseases.
Current methods require millions of molecules to identify a disease, which limits their precision and speed. The new tool, developed by the team of Kevin Freedman, professor of bioengineering, uses nanopores to capture electrical signals emitted by individual molecules, such as DNA or proteins. This approach allows for ultra-precise detection, even at minute concentrations.
How does this technology work?
At the heart of the device is a nanopore, a microscopic opening through which molecules pass one by one. When a molecule traverse this pore, it reduces the flow of ions, generating a signal measurable electrical. This mechanism makes it possible to identify specific biomarkers with great reliability.
Unlike traditional sensors, which require external filters that can alter data, the nanopore itself acts as a filtered. It reduces the background noise while preserving useful signals, which improves diagnostic accuracy.
Promising applications in medicine and research
The team plans to miniaturize this technology to create a portable device, the size of a USB key. Such a tool could detect infections in 24 to 48 hourscompared to several days for current tests. This speed would be essential to containing rapidly spreading diseases.
Beyond diagnosis, this technology opens up perspectives in protein research. It makes it possible to distinguish healthy proteins from those involved in diseases, even when their structures are very similar. This could lead to more personalized and effective treatments.
Towards protein sequencing at the molecular level
One of the major goals of this research is to achieve protein sequencing at the single-molecule level. While DNA sequencing provides genetic information, protein sequencing reveals how these instructions are implemented in the body. This advance could allow earlier detection of diseases and better adapted therapies.
A future integrated into daily life
Kevin Freedman is convinced that nanopores will become ubiquitous, both in research and in health care. With devices becoming more accessible, this technology could be used in home or clinical diagnostic kits, transforming our approach to personalized medicine.
