Detection of Blood Analytes

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DESCRIPTION: Researchers at the University of South Florida have successfully developed a gold nanowire based microfluid device that can be used for the ultra-sensitive detection of cancer biomarkers and other biomolecules. The adrenal glands are small; however, they are very important. They produce several hormones like adrenal cortical hormones that help the body to work properly and are vital to life. Currently, there are many cortisol detection methods in the market, but they are limited due to their sensitivity, time of analysis, and cost. It is therefore imperative to develop a more sensitive and efficient assay for evaluating cortisol level of individuals with adrenal diseases.  USF inventors have developed and successfully tested a prototype of a gold nanowire-based microfluidic sensing device that can be used for the ultra-sensitive detection of analytes such as cortisol and other biomarkers. This technology applies enzyme fragment complementation (EFC) technology, which provides a sensitive method for measuring analytes. The sensor and methods of the invention are applicable in research and various industries, such as medical diagnostics, environmental management (e.g., detection of contaminants in water and wastewater treatment systems), bioremediation, public health, and homeland security (e.g., detection of bioterrorism agents).