A three-dimensional "framework" of nanoparticles has been created, it will be able to detect diseases by breathing

The framework includes unique combinations of metal and semiconductor nanoparticles. Each of them is in the thousands

times smaller than a human hair, which canbe built into ultra-small sensors. These sensors can then be integrated into simple and small pocket-sized diagnostic tools. If a risk of disease is detected, the devices will warn the user of the danger and encourage him to seek medical help and do additional tests as soon as possible.

Today's optical sensors usesensitive materials that change their color when exposed to a high concentration of biomarkers trapped in a liquid medium. For example, a urine test on a pregnancy test or a blood test for chronic conditions. Previous research has shown that biomarkers indicating serious illnesses such as diabetes and cancer can be found in breathing. However, their concentration is very low and modern optical sensors cannot measure them. It is hoped that the developed supersensitive materials will help people avoid the development of chronic diseases, increase patient survival and significantly reduce the associated costs in healthcare systems. It can also help eliminate the need for invasive testing procedures, such as blood tests.

Artist's impression of a 3D nanoparticle wireframe composed of metallic nanoparticles (yellow) embedded in semiconductor nanoparticles (Australian National University)

People with a family history of chronic disease can use sensors that are tuned to check for specific medical conditions.

“The good thing about breathing is that it is full of biomarkers,which can help us detect chronic diseases, but their concentration in gases is very low, ”explains Associate Professor Mohsen Rahmani, co-author of the study. “The problem so far has been the lack of a reliable detector. However, our new material could detect a low concentration of biomarkers that move freely in these environments. Our sensitive material does not require batteries, wires, or large and expensive laboratory equipment. This paves the way for the next generation of handheld sensors that can quickly and reliably diagnose disease at a very early stage. ”

In the journalAdvanced Materials a study has been published demonstrating the development of ultrasensitive three-dimensional nanostructures.

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