A new biosensor technology is being developed that could transform the early diagnosis and treatment of diseases.
The multidisciplinary research project, Next-Generation Molecular Sensors has secured nearly one million euros in funding from the Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation to support a three-year research initiative.
Biosensors play a critical role in healthcare and life sciences, enabling the precise measurement of biomolecules in the body, such as proteins. This precision is vital for early disease detection and for monitoring the effectiveness of treatments.
Currently, biosensors are employed in a range of medical applications, including monitoring blood glucose levels in diabetes management and diagnosing heart diseases by detecting biomarkers indicative of heart attacks. Research is also underway to develop biosensors for the early detection of cancer.
Particularly promising are ultrasensitive biosensors capable of detecting single molecules. However, advancing these technologies requires innovations that achieve higher sensitivity and lower limit of detection based on specific applications, along with integrated data analysis capabilities.
The project team at the University of Oulu aims to develop molecular biosensors capable of identifying and measuring individual biomolecules at the cellular level.
By leveraging natural cellular communication mechanisms and utilizing nanosensors, the team aims to create sensors that mimic artificial cells. Additionally, the project focuses on developing an innovative sensor technology based on Raman spectroscopy, which enables the detection of single protein molecules, nanovesicle representations, or their engineered forms from extremely small sample volumes.
“Our research addresses one of the biggest challenges in biosensing: the label-free detection of single molecules. We are developing ultrasensitive technologies that offer significantly more precise and sensitive analytics than previously possible,” says Professor Caglar Elbuken.
“The technologies we are working on have the potential to establish Oulu as a global leader in biosensor technology. The impact of this research could be far-reaching, enhancing healthcare and improving disease diagnostics and treatment worldwide.”
