Biobarcode-based ultrasensitive proteomic detection for early disease detection

Keywords:
proteomic detection, Northwestern, ELISA

Abstract:
High sensitivity proteomic detection may enable earlier detection of cancers, leading to improved clinical outcomes.
 
Nanotechnology developed in the lab of Northwestern University Professor Chad Mirkin enables proteomic detection three to four orders of magnitude more sensitive than ELISA. This functionality has been illustrated with prostate specific antigen as the model analyte, a widely recognized protein linked to prostate cancer. It can be extended to other important markers for many forms of cancer, as well as diseases such as HIV and Alzheimer’s.
 
In addition, this technology enables the unmatched ability to multiplex both direct genomic detection without PCR or other target amplification and ultra-sensitive protein detection on a single, user-friendly platform. With ovarian cancer, for example, researchers are studying a hormone called Inhibin A as a possible marker for the disease. However, with the current technology that hormone found in the blood typically isn’t detectable until the cancer is advanced.
 
This direct genomic and biobarcode protein technology holds promise for not only diagnostics, but also new biomarker discovery as collaborations are underway to enable validation of protein biomarkers for specific cancer types, and to develop subsequent new diagnostic tests.

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Nanotech 2006 Conference Program Abstract