Biosensors: Preventing Epidemic Spread and Diagnosing Diseases Simultaneously

UNIST-Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials Joint Research Team Develops Sensor Capable of Detecting Trace Proteins

New Detection Method Enables Early Diagnosis, Replaces Enzyme Immunoassay... Saves Time and Cost

A biosensor technology that can rapidly and accurately detect trace amounts of protein using light has been developed.

This advancement is expected to significantly improve the efficiency of protein detection, which is a crucial means of preventing the spread of infectious diseases such as coronavirus.

A joint research team led by Professor Lee Jongwon from the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at UNIST (President Park Jongrae) and Dr. Jung Jooyeon from the Nano Lithography Research Center at the Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (President Ryu Seokhyun) has developed a new biosensor that dramatically increases protein detection sensitivity. By using a metamaterial absorber that is highly responsive to light, the sensor can accurately measure protein concentrations even in complex biological structures.

From the left, Professor Lee Jongwon, Researcher Kim Mingyun.

Unlike conventional complex and expensive methods, the new sensor can rapidly and accurately detect proteins without attaching biomarkers. This approach can save significant time and cost compared to traditional enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methods that use enzymes to detect color changes.

To enhance protein detection sensitivity, the research team used a metamaterial absorber designed to be highly responsive to mid-infrared light. Since metamaterials are easy to mass-produce, they are expected to be useful not only for epidemic prevention such as coronavirus vaccines but also for diagnosing various diseases.

By using a single aptamer, the team was able to accurately detect trace amounts of protein at the detection limit of thrombin (267.4 pM). Aptamers are substances that interact with specific proteins and are being highlighted as promising alternatives to antibodies. Thrombin is a protein that causes blood to clot.

Immunoassays utilizing thrombin-binding aptamers demonstrated the potential to detect biomolecules in clinical settings with minimal time required. This confirms the possibility of replacing costly traditional disease diagnosis processes with an efficient and economical new diagnostic tool.

Schematic diagram of a label-free immunoassay-based biosensor.

Professor Lee Jongwon stated, "Using surface-enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy based on strong binding effects, we can detect trace amounts of protein. This enables affordable and rapid detection during medical diagnosis and treatment, making health management much more accessible."

Dr. Jung Jooyeon said, "With a biosensor based on an infrared metamaterial absorber fabricated using nanoimprint lithography technology, we will make significant contributions to early disease detection and the prevention of infectious disease outbreaks."

Jung Juyeon Researcher.

The research results were published online on May 27 in the internationally renowned journal Biosensors and Bioelectronics, and the study was supported by the Ministry of Science and ICT, the Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials, and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.