Description
The need for inexpensive, portable, and sensitive
diagnostic tools is becoming increasingly necessary in order to prevent the
spread of disease in low-resource environments.
Developing a device and protocol to diagnose the early onset of infections
will advance both the treatment and the containment of disease. Team Phoenix
is developing a highly sensitive and specific immunoassay using gold nanoshells
in an optical device that provides quick and reliable readings for whole blood
samples.
Application in Space
With an increasing number of humans involved in long-term
space missions, especially with NASA’s vision to send a manned mission to Mars,
there will be an increasing need for clinical diagnostics to monitor human
health. However, current diagnostic tools and techniques face the following
challenges:
-
extensive, time-consuming sample preparation
-
trained technicians for complicated protocols
-
bulky equipment
In space, astronauts may not have the time nor training to
perform long, complicated immunoassays. In addition, storage space is valuable
and minimizing weight is instrumental in reducing cost.
The ImmunoAsker, based on nanoshell technology, is a great
tool designed to combat these challenges. It greatly simplifies the steps
required in the immunoassay, reducing both the time and expertise required to
perform the assay. The device itself will also be smaller and lighter than a
spectrophotometer, and will be portable to maximize ease of use.
Application in Developing Countries
The nanoshell immunoassay can
also be used in developing countries as a more cost-effective method of
diagnosing disease. In addition, the ability to portably and rapidly obtain
results allows treatment for a large population of patients that are normally
lost to follow-up. The simplified steps reduce the need for trained
technicians, who are of limited availability, making it easier for patients to
receive treatment.