An Entire Medical Research Lab Fit on a Chip

Nanotechnology brings another breakthrough innovation in health. This time, researchers were able to fit the capabilities of an entire research laboratory in a chip.

In other words, examinations that previously needed human groups and specialized equipment to complete can now be done within minutes through a device that fits comfortably in a man’s hand.

Shining example of this innovation is the chip that invented by professor at the London in Center for Nanotechnology, Tom Duke. This is a tool for detection of HIV in human blood, which only needs a drop of a sample to make the diagnosis.

The drop some columns separated by a nanometer length. The major components of blood (proteins, etc.) are trapped there, leaving the cells of the virus to pass. These in turn meet a series of small “levers”, coated with antibodies, which only detect the presence of virus bend. The more you bend, the greater the contamination of blood.

This experiment is just one of many cases currently under investigation. Scientists recognize that if such an application of nanotechnology succeed, it will provide tremendous assistance to underdeveloped countries whose residents have the opportunity to visit such laboratories in order to get a diagnosis.

At present prices of chips seem unrealistic, but as there is progress so that mass production would seem more tangible.

Shortlink:

Posted by Ibrahim on December 3, 2011. Filed under Articles, Innovation, Technology. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.