MIT engineers develop DNA sensor to detect HIV and cancer at home for under $1
10 days ago
- #Biotechnology
- #Diagnostics
- #CRISPR
- MIT researchers developed disposable electrochemical sensors using DNA-coated electrodes for disease detection.
- The sensors utilize a DNA-chopping enzyme from the CRISPR system to detect targets like cancer genes.
- A polymer coating (polyvinyl alcohol) stabilizes the DNA, extending sensor shelf-life to two months even at high temperatures.
- Each sensor costs about 50 cents to make, making it affordable for low-resource regions.
- The sensors can detect diseases like prostate cancer, HIV, and HPV from samples like urine or saliva.
- The technology could enable at-home or point-of-use diagnostics without refrigeration.
- Researchers aim to commercialize the technology through a startup and expand testing with patient samples.