Testing for malaria can be as simple as applying a bandage to a wound. This idea is the basis
A device detailed in the journal NatureMicrosystems and Nanoengineering relies on protein biomarkers found in cutaneous interstitial fluid. It is usually found inside the blisters, but it actually surrounds all skin cells.
This fluid contains many biomarkers for various diseases such as malaria. Disposable dressings can be programmed to detect other diseases, including coronavirus.
In this study, we have focused ondetection of malaria, as the project was funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. But we can adapt this technology to detect other diseases whose biomarkers show up in the interstitial fluid.
press release Rice University
The stand-alone test gives results in 5-20 minutes anddoes not require medical expertise or equipment. The adhesive bandage has 16 hollow microneedles. The antibodies react when they sense the biomarkers of the malaria protein and stain the two lines of the dressing red. If the test is negative, only one line turns red.
Hollow needles are 375 microns wide and 750 microns longmicrons - this is enough to reach the liquid inside the skin, which is usually 800 to 1000 microns thick. The needles are sharp enough to overcome mechanical stress when penetrating the skin. Researchers estimate that one such dressing can cost $ 1.
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