There are also many applications of nanotechnology in disease detection. As the field of nanomedicine has advanced, new methods for detecting the presence of cancer as well as viruses or mutated genes have been developed. Current diagnostic methods are often time consuming, as PCR must first be used to amplify the number genes present for gene detection and other processes for detecting cancer are invasive and uncomfortable. With nanosensors, these problems can be fixed. Already, different researchers have experimened and developed preliminary sensors for detecting the presence of cancer cells, viruses, and mutated genes coding for genetic diseases such as cystic fibrosis. The potential for such technologies is unbounded. In the future, we may be able to instantly diagnose a patient with a simple handheld device.

 

Gene Detection

When fragments of genes with and without the coded gene were exposed, the sensor was able to differentiate between the two types of genes.

 

Cancer Detection in Tissue Samples

Gold nanoparticles with similar attached antibodies have also been used to identify cancer cells. In another experiment, the protein, epidermal growth factor receptor (EFGR)

 

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Copyright © 2005 Nanogroup Beta: Jason Feng, Maryam Liaqat, Eric Shubo Ma | Physics 87N: Prof. Hari Manoharan
Last modified: 12/09/05