The disposable diagnostic breakthrough: revolutionizing disease detection.

A pioneering development from La Trobe University researchers is poised to revolutionize disease diagnostics, particularly for conditions such as cancer, through the creation of a novel single-use testing strip.

The findings, which have been disseminated in the esteemed journal *Small*, detail the utilization of enzymes to amplify electrical signals, thereby facilitating the identification of disease-specific molecules, commonly referred to as microRNAs.

This innovative biosensor operates on principles analogous to conventional glucose testing strips. However, as highlighted by senior researcher Dr. Saimon Moraes Silva, its sensitivity is markedly superior, capable of detecting microRNAs within blood plasma at concentrations dramatically lower—up to a trillion times less—than those of glucose.

MicroRNAs offer early indicators of health status and various diseases, including cancer. Yet, their detection can prove challenging even with established laboratory techniques like PCR, owing to their presence in minute quantities in biological samples such as blood, plasma, and saliva.

Dr. Saimon Moraes Silva, senior researcher, La Trobe University

Vatsala Pithaih, the lead researcher and a PhD candidate, explained that the team’s significant advancement stemmed from the development of a specialized enzyme designed to enhance the biosensor test strip’s reactivity.

“Upon the introduction of a sample to the test strip, a reduction in the electrical signal is observed, directly correlating with the concentration of the target microRNA present,” she elaborated.

“The enzymatic amplification process magnifies this alteration, enabling the detection of microRNAs at concentrations a thousandfold lower than previously achievable.”

Distinguished Professor Brian Abbey, a senior researcher, envisions this biosensor being integrated into devices that empower non-specialists to conduct disease testing conveniently, eliminating the need for costly and centralized laboratory facilities.

“This represents an exciting stride towards achieving disease diagnosis and monitoring that is genuinely ‘point-of-need’—remarkably affordable, user-friendly, broadly accessible, and highly effective,” Professor Abbey affirmed.

This groundbreaking research was undertaken across several key La Trobe University facilities, including the La Trobe node of the ARC Research Hub for Molecular Biosensors at Point-of-Use (MOBIUS), the La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science (LIMS), La Trobe University’s Biomedical and Environmental Sensor Technology (BEST) Research Centre, and the Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry within the School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment (SABE).