Recent infectious disease outbreaks, including the avian flu in 1997, the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in 2002–2003 and the H1N1 flu in 2009, are reminders of how vulnerable humans are to viruses. Our experience with pandemics has taught us that the early detection of infected individuals is crucial to preventing the spread of such contagions. A team led by Pavel Neuzil, a principal research scientist previously of the A*STAR Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (IBN), has developed a technology for the rapid detection of viruses that has now been adapted as a portable device for rapid virus detection in the field. The technology could help save millions of lives, particularly in developing countries and remote areas.
Real-time (RT) reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is currently the most sensitive and reliable technique for detecting viruses. The technology involves making complementary DNA copies of viral RNA, multiplying the number of DNA copies and staining them with a fluorescent dye. The subtle differences in fluorescence intensity reflect the presence and quantity of viral RNA.
Tests confirmed that the portable RT-PCR device could detect H5N1 viruses in as little as 35 minutes. Not only is the device reliable and fast, it is also cheap to manufacture some 50 times cheaper than competing devices and uses little power, making it particularly suitable for field and point of care applications. Its cost-effectiveness may even make it attractive as an educational tool.
fuente: http://www.nanowerk.com/news/newsid=18701.php?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=emailutm_campaign=Feed%3A+nanowerk%2FagWB+%28Nanowerk+Nanotechnology+News%29
Real-time (RT) reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is currently the most sensitive and reliable technique for detecting viruses. The technology involves making complementary DNA copies of viral RNA, multiplying the number of DNA copies and staining them with a fluorescent dye. The subtle differences in fluorescence intensity reflect the presence and quantity of viral RNA.
Tests confirmed that the portable RT-PCR device could detect H5N1 viruses in as little as 35 minutes. Not only is the device reliable and fast, it is also cheap to manufacture some 50 times cheaper than competing devices and uses little power, making it particularly suitable for field and point of care applications. Its cost-effectiveness may even make it attractive as an educational tool.
fuente: http://www.nanowerk.com/news/newsid=18701.php?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=emailutm_campaign=Feed%3A+nanowerk%2FagWB+%28Nanowerk+Nanotechnology+News%29
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