Nano Technology: Napkin To Diagnose Your Ailment

Diagnose your ailment with biodegradable swipes on a napkin

Nano Technology: Napkin To Diagnose Your Ailment

Do you sneeze quite often? Your tissue might be able to tell you why if we are to go by the innovative research done by a team from Cornell University. Researchers have designed a biodegradable absorbent wipe – very similar to a paper towel – made specially designed polymer that may be used to detect pathogens and biohazards by simply wiping surface or soaking up a spill.

Scientists, led by Cornell University assistant professor Margaret Frey, have successfully researched on a napkin that can detect bacteria such as Escherichia coli. The napkin, made of polylactic acid (PLA) nanofibers, roughly 1/800th the size of a human hair, was studded with antibodies to act as biological sensors.

The group used electricity to create a fine mat of the PLA fibers, using a technique called electrospinning to embed biotin, a reactive B vitamin. The biotin carried antibodies for E-coli; the fibers would change color if the germ is detected. According to Frey, the napkin can be used to detect only those pathogens whose appropriate antibodies have been embedded in its fibers. The team is yet to determine how low a concentration of bacteria they can detect using this napkin.

The technique has the potential to spot hundreds of other pathogens as well. “I think that what is mainly holding us going past one is just resources,” says Frey. The napkin holds a lot of promise. “Anybody who knows how to use a napkin can use it,” says Frey.

The researchers are currently seeking partners to expand the technology. The napkin guarantees widespread appeal: cheap to produce and easy to use. Researchers say that the applications could extend from meat packing plants and hospitals to airplanes and cruise ships.

Source: Pioneering Minds

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