BLUF

Researchers are hoping to learn more about neurodegenerative diseases through the use of an amperometric biosensor.

Summary

Biotech company GenieUs, together with researchers from the University of Sydney, is examining how biosensors could potentially improve the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The research involves employing an amperometric biosensor to detect a protein called TDP-43 that is commonly linked to ALS development. This approach is expected to supersede existing detection methods, such as gel electrophoresis, which can take days instead of minutes to generate a database needed for computer modelling of the disease. In its current form, the biosensor is a patented design of small sensor arrays. Still, eventually, the research team hope to develop the technology into a chip form that researchers can slot into a device that can analyse the sample's electrical current. The researchers are also hoping to use the same application to understand other common neurodegenerative-disease proteins, such as Parkinson's disease. 

Learn about new methods of research into amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

References

Aug 2020 AJMC Overview of Current and Emerging Therapies for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Jun 2021 The Lancet Physical exercise is a risk factor for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Convergent evidence from Mendelian randomisation, transcriptomics and risk genotypes

Jul 2021 ZDNet Research finds voice assistance could improve speech for Parkinson's patients

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