Researchers at the BRIC-Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (BRIC-RGCB) in Thiruvananthapuram have developed a nanopore-based sensing technology that could support the early detection and monitoring of biomarkers linked to neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
The research team, led by Dr. Mahendran K.R., along with PhD student Varsha Shaji and postdoctoral researcher Dr. Neethu Puthumadathil, developed what are described as “self-assembling dual-diameter” nanopore sensors. According to RGCB, the sensors can detect disease-associated biomarkers at high sensitivity.
Why Nanopore Sensors Matter
Biomarkers can provide biological clues about disease processes, but detecting them at very early stages can be difficult because they may be present at extremely low concentrations.
Nanopores are extremely small structures that can be engineered to interact with biological molecules. RGCB’s research builds on work involving synthetic transmembrane pores and their potential applications in nanobiotechnology.
The dual-diameter design is intended to improve the sensing platform’s ability to detect and distinguish biomolecular signals. The research has been described as a potential advance in nanoscience and biomolecular sensing, with possible applications in neurodegenerative disease research.
The findings could eventually contribute to better tools for studying diseases such as Parkinson’s and ALS. However, the technology should currently be understood as a research-stage sensing approach, rather than an established clinical diagnostic test.