A neurodegenerative disorder that erodes memory and cognitive abilities in people past 60, Alzheimer’s is a worldwide menace. Detecting the disease at an early stage can enable effective treatment and a better quality of life for patients. However, current techniques used to identify the symptoms of this disease are expensive and often yield inconclusive results. Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru have developed a low cost method to detect Alzheimers at an early staging, which may help in identifying patients sooner and provide them with a ray of hope.
Alzheimer’s is caused by the accumulation of abnormal protein structures in the brain – beta-amyloid plaques and tau tangles. These proteins disrupt the communication between neurons and cause cells to die. In the initial stages of the disease, the accumulation of these abnormal protein structures is reflected in a person’s brain scan. These findings can then be used to categorize the patient as ‘at risk’ of developing Alzheimer’s disease. However, these tests are highly complex and require expensive equipment to perform.
To reduce the time and cost burden of these tests, the researchers have developed a small molecular fluorogenic probe that can sense a specific enzyme linked to the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. According to a statement released by IISc, Debasis Das, Assistant Professor at IISc and Jagpreet Sidhu, a CV Raman postdoctoral fellow have designed a small molecular fluorogenic sensor that can detect the presence of Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in human brain samples. The sensor consists of a fluorophore, which is a compound that glows when it interacts with the target. The sensor is encased in a microfluidic chip, which allows it to be placed in a portable device that can be easily carried to remote locations for testing.
The researchers have also tested the probe in a culture of human neurons and found that it can bind to AChE. The team claims that the sensor can be fabricated into a strip-based kit that may enable on-site diagnosis. This simple, inexpensive and easy-to-use test may be an important step towards enhancing access to healthcare for India’s population, especially in rural areas.
Point of Care (POC) diagnostic devices are crucial to ensuring timely and accurate medical treatment in developing countries. They are small, portable and can be used to diagnose various diseases, including tuberculosis, pneumonia, malaria, gastrointestinal disorders etc. These devices can significantly improve the availability of healthcare services in remote and underserved regions by enabling quick and accurate diagnosis. However, many of these devices are complex to use and require special storage conditions that are not feasible for use in remote areas. Additionally, they can be susceptible to errors due to lack of training and improper clinical practices. Despite these challenges, POC diagnostics are rapidly evolving to meet the increasing demand for more advanced and affordable testing options in the healthcare industry.
