Scientists in the US and Ireland have developed a new approach to quantitative resistive-pulse sensing, using a nanopipette-based sensor to selectively detect antibodies to peanut allergens (about 1% of Americans suffer from peanut allergies, they say).
Peanut allergens are glycoproteins, and these cause an immune response elevating IgE (Immunoglobulin E) antibody levels in people with a peanut allergy. The increased immunoglobulin levels can be measured by the nanopipette sensor and will help to detect the likelihood of severe allergy episodes.
The nanopipettes work by sensing an analyte as it enters their nanometre-sized pores. The particle must be small enough to fit through the hole, but large enough to cause a measurable change in the recorded ion current. This technique allows label-free detection of antibodies.
Read the ‘HOT’ article:
Resistive-Pulse Measurements with Nanopipettes: Detection of Au Nanoparticles and Nanoparticle-Bound Anti-peanut IgY
Y Wang et al, Chem. Sci., 2012, DOI: 10.1039/c2sc21502k
