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Applying Biosensor Innovations to Healthcare and Medicine

SelectScience
19 Feb 2015
Sonia Nicholas
Managing Editor and Clinical Lead

Editorial article

Bringing together thought leaders in biosensors from clinical, academic and commercial worlds

On the 24th – 26th March 2015, the third ‘Sensors in Medicine’ conference will take place in London, UK. It is an exciting time for the development of sensors for medical and healthcare applications.

There is a need for reduced healthcare costs worldwide. There is also a pressing need for rapid diagnostics for infectious diseases such as Ebola and for early cancer diagnostics. A wide diversity of sensing methodologies are being explored, for example the increased utilization of mobile phone technology and advances in new materials such as graphene.

The KeyNote Speaker at the conference is Thomas Olesen, European Commercial Director at Qualcomm Life discussing “How sensors and mHealth are accelerating the standard of care”.

Diagnostic highlights from the agenda include:

Sensors for Cancer Diagnosis

• Detection of lung and bowel cancer through volatile biomarkers - Billy Boyle, Owlstone Ltd.

• 2D SERS substrates for ultrasensitive detection of multiple genetic leukemia biomarkers - Dr. Silvia Picciolini, Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi ONLUS.

• Detection of breast cancer 1 (BRCA1) gene using electrochemical DNA biosensors based on immobilized ZnO nanowires - Zainiharyati Mohd Zain, Universiti Teknologi Mara Shah Alam.

Sensors for Infectious Disease Diagnosis

• TB or not TB? QuantuMDx has the answer: the future in Point of Care diagnostics - Dr. Christopher Adams, QuantuMDx Ltd.

• A truly hand held, rapid, quantitative Point of Care system for infectious disease diagnosis in resource limited settings - Dr.Tim Dwyer, AgPlus Diagnostics Ltd.

• Multiplexed infectious disease testing: sound point of care diagnostics - Prof. Jon Cooper, University of Glasgow.

Other Sensor Applications

• Point of care breath test for diagnosing and managing complications in diabetes integrated for mHealth applications - Dr.Victor Higgs, Applied Nanodetectors Ltd.

• Fast and easy methods for real-time piezoelec-tric biosensor - Dr. Nicoletta Giamblanca, University of Catania.

See full Sensor 100 2015 event listing


Image caption: The Royal Geographic Society, London, UK

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BiosensorsBiosensors are devices used to detect an analyte using biological molecules specific to the analyte coupled to a detector. Biosensor instruments may be photometric, typically using surface plasma resonance (SPR), electrochemical or QCM (quartz crystal microbalance) biosensors. Biosensors should be selective, portable, robust and sensitive and have a fast response time. Systems may be manual or automated and usually have associated software.Blood TransfusionBlood Transfusion involves giving donor blood to a recipient patient. Screening is essential to avoid transfusion reactions. Blood banks use immunohematological techniques to determine rh and ABO blood group, and screen for antibodies using specific antisera. Blood Banks use Direct Coombs Tests (DCT) and Indirect Coombs Tests (IAT) to detect hemolysis and Haemolytic Disease of the Newborn (HDN).HematologyIn Haematology / Hematology, complete blood cell counts (or full blood counts) are obtained using automated blood count analyzers to enumerate blood cell types.  Hematology also encompasses haemostasis and coagulation, thrombophilia and hemophilia, plasma viscosity and ESR analysis, hemoglobinopathies, cell morphology and haematinic measurement.ImmunologyImmunological techniques measure and characterize immune responses. Immunology kits and analysis systems often use techniques such as ELISA, radioimmunoassay (RIA) and immunodiffusion assays, Immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry. Immunologists use equipment such as flow Cytometers, plate readers, plate washers and fluorescent microscopes.Cellular PathologyCellular Pathology deals with the microscopic analysis of tissue samples and cells. Sample preparation and processing includes fixation, staining, sectioning and slide mounting, using equipment such microtomes and cryostats. In choosing immunohistochemistry and immunocytochemistry kits, consider chromogens, staining method, antibodies, microscopes and imaging.Cell-Based AssaysCell-based assays are used to monitor the presence, quantity and activities of a desired cellular analyte including drug molecules or biomarkers. This can reveal information on cell health (apoptosis, cytotoxicity, viability and proliferation assays), cell metabolism, cell migration and cell signaling mechanisms. Find the best cell-based assay products, kits and equipment with our peer reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receiving pricing direct from manufacturers.Point-of-CarePoint-of-Care Testing (POCT) or Near Patient Testing (NPT) products are available for urine, blood and other clinical chemistry analyses. POCT includes: blood glucose testing, blood gas and electrolytes analysis, rapid coagulation testing (PT / INR), rapid cardiac markers diagnostics, drugs of abuse screening, urine strips testing, pregnancy testing, fecal occult blood analysis, food pathogens screening, hemoglobin diagnostics, infectious disease testing and cholesterol screening.Clinical ChemistryBiochemistry (or clinical chemistry) involves the analysis of bodily fluids using chemical tests. Techniques used include HPLC, chromatography, spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, immunochemical, electrophoresis, turbidometric / spectrophotometric assay, MRI and ISE analysis. Tests are often carried out on plasma or serum but urine (urinalysis) and fecal specimens are also processed.Clinical GeneticsMolecular Genetics covers the analysis of hereditary genetic disease and chromosomal abnormalities. Genetics can be analysed using DNA, RNA, and protein microarrays, PCR, RT PCR and DNA sequencing. Genetic equipment includes genetic workstations, thermal cyclers, cooling blocks and electrophoresis products. Diagnostic kits are used for DNA / RNA extraction and purification.Clinical MicrobiologyMicrobiology is the study of microorganisms including protists, prokaryotes, fungi, and, often, viruses. Microorganisms are a useful research tool as genetic vectors and, in immunology, for antibiotic susceptibility testing, cellular biology and genetics. Microorganisms commonly grow readily in incubators with microbial culture media; this can contain chromogenic supplements to differentiate between cell lines. Estimate your culture’s density of microorganisms with colony counters, or screen and select colonies for desirable clones with automated colony pickers. Additionally, equipment is available to monitor environments for the presence of microbes and identify with microbial identification instruments. Find the best microbiology products in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Cancer DiagnosticsThere are a wide variety of diagnostic tests for cancer available, and this range continues to expand as our knowledge of cancer improves. Current diagnostic methods include biopsy, imaging and blood tests for known biomarkers. New methods in research development include liquid biopsies and cancer breathalyzers.Biomarker DiscoveryClinical biomarkers refer to substances related to known medical conditions that can be accurately measured <i>in vitro</i>. Biomarkers can be used to diagnose presence of a disease and indicate disease severity. The discovery of new biomarkers is incredibly valuable in the field of diagnostics.Infectious DiseasesInfectious diseases are caused by pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Effective detection, prevention, and treatment are crucial to control outbreaks and improve public health. Diagnostic tools, vaccines, and antimicrobial treatments are essential components of managing these diseases. Research into emerging pathogens and resistance patterns continues to evolve. Browse our peer-reviewed product directory to find the best diagnostic tools, prevention solutions, and treatment options; compare products, read customer reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.

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