A new ultra-sensitive detection system could help doctors identify diseases such as HIV infection with the naked eye, British researchers revealed last night.
The nano-particle based technology is claimed as being ten times more sensitive than current technology.
It has been developed at Imperial College, London.
Last night its developers reported its success in detecting a chemical called p24 in blood samples, indicating infection with HIV.
If the virus is present, the nano-particles turn blue – and this can be seen with the eye. If there is no virus, they turn red.
Reporting in Nature Nanotechnology, the researchers say the test has proved more sensitive at detecting minuscule quantities of virus than standard tests.
Researcher Dr Roberto de la Rica said: “We have developed a test that we hope will enable previously undetectable HIV infections and indicators of cancer to be picked up, which would mean people could be treated sooner.
"We also believe that this test could be significantly cheaper to administer, which could pave the way for more widespread use of HIV testing in poorer parts of the world."
Plasmonic ELISA for the ultrasensitive detection of disease biomarkers with the naked eye. Nature Nanotechnology October 28 2012; doi:10.1038/NNANO.2012.186
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