In a report from Patch Media, Fatima Bhatti, a student researcher in the Department of Chemistry at Oakland University, explained that she and her colleagues have developed a novel testing strip that may quickly, affordably, and effectively identify patients with early osteoarthritis. The novel diagnostic method is designed to detect the concentration of the protein tumor necrosis factor alpha within the joint fluid—a marker of inflammation—by encouraging the proteins to attach to the testing strips. In a recent study published by Ms. Bhatti and her colleagues in Advanced Composite and Hybrid Materials, the team found that the testing strips were capable of transmitting results back to a sensor software within 5 to 10 minutes of anchoring with a microneedle electrode. They highlighted that the testing strips may provide a minimally invasive and cost-effective alternative to standard diagnostic methods, which require joint aspiration and lab testing. “Our detection method is groundbreaking … as it is one of the first point-of-care tests that can detect proteins in body fluids at low concentrations, with excellent sensitivity, and in a quick and low-cost manner,” concluded Ms. Bhatti. The researchers also expressed hope that their novel technology can soon be applied to the early detection of other diseases, such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
May 25, 2023