BRCA1 Assessment on a Smartphone
A paper microfluidics method, called “FluoroZen,” coupled with a smartphone application is able to detect BRCA1 oligonucleotides in a 20 minute process. Louisiana State University engineers report: “The FLuoroZen analyzes DNA within saliva or blood when the sample is placed on nitrocellulose paper, itself placed on a glass slide. The device then detects the fluorescent oligonucleotide spots on the nitrocellulose paper thanks to two filters that screen out all except for two different frequencies of light. One of the light frequencies excites the fluorescent dye and the second is used to help measure the light spectrum that is emitted. Spots that are brighter indicate the presence of the mutated version of the BRCA1 gene. The difference in the light intensity between positive and negative spots is not very strong, but a smartphone with a special app can tell the difference and produce final results.” MORE
Image Credit: LSU and MedGadget.com