3 weeks ago
IISER-Brahmapur's Nanotech Biosensor Detects Turner Syndrome DNA Sequences
Scientists at a research institute in India have made a special sensor that can find a rare health condition called Turner Syndrome.
Turner Syndrome happens when a girl is born missing part of one of her X chromosomes.
The sensor uses tiny gold star shapes and special molecules to spot the DNA signs of this condition very quickly.
It works like a super-sensitive detective that can find a tiny clue in a big sample.
Usually, doctors need big machines and lots of time to find this condition.
This new sensor is faster, cheaper, and easier to use.
Turner Syndrome affects about one in every 2,500 girls born.
Girls with it may be shorter, have delayed puberty, and sometimes have heart or kidney problems.
Finding it early helps doctors take better care of these girls.
The sensor might also be changed to find other inherited diseases in the future.
Researchers at IISER-Brahmapur developed a nanotechnology-enabled biosensing platform that detects DNA sequences associated with Turner Syndrome.
The platform combines a nucleotide-guided covalent organic framework (COF) integrated with gold nanostars for rapid, sensitive detection.
Turner Syndrome, caused by complete or partial loss of one X chromosome in females, affects nearly one in 2,500 female births.
The biosensor offers a promising alternative to conventional chromosomal karyotyping, which is labour-intensive, time-consuming, and requires specialised laboratory facilities.
Published in Advanced Functional Materials, the technology still requires clinical validation but could be adapted for other inherited genetic disorders.
- Who
- Researchers at IISER-Brahmapur led by Dr Parikshit Moitra, Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical Sciences, with support from Director Prof Ashok Kumar Ganguli.
- What
- Developed a nanotechnology-enabled biosensing platform for rapid, sensitive detection of DNA sequences associated with Turner Syndrome.
- Where
- IISER-Brahmapur, Brahmapur.
- When
- Not specified in the article; the study was published in the journal Advanced Functional Materials.
- Why
- To enable rapid, cost-effective and accessible DNA diagnostics for early diagnosis of Turner Syndrome, offering an alternative to labour-intensive chromosomal karyotyping.
Key facts
- Research Institute
- IISER-Brahmapur (Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Brahmapur)
- Lead Researcher
- Dr Parikshit Moitra, Assistant Professor, Department of Chemical Sciences
- Technology
- Nucleotide-guided covalent organic framework (COF) integrated with gold nanostars
- Target Condition
- Turner Syndrome (complete or partial loss of one X chromosome in females)
- Prevalence
- Nearly one in 2,500 female births
- Journal
- Advanced Functional Materials
- Alternative To
- Conventional chromosomal karyotyping
- Current Status
- Requires further clinical validation before routine medical application
