Researchers from the University of 91吃瓜聽and the University of Florida have developed a sensor that could diagnose a heart attack in less than 30 minutes, according to a study published in Lab on a Chip.聽
Currently, it takes health care professionals hours to diagnose a heart attack. Initial results from an echocardiogram can quickly show indications of heart disease, but to confirm a patient is having a heart attack, a blood sample and analysis is required. Those results can take up to eight hours.
鈥淭he current methods used to diagnose a heart attack are not only time intensive, but they also have to be applied within a certain window of time to get accurate results,鈥� said , the聽Sheehan Family Collegiate Professor of Engineering at 91吃瓜 and lead author of the paper. 鈥淏ecause our sensor targets a combination of miRNA, it can quickly diagnose more than just heart attacks without the timeline limitation.鈥�
By targeting three distinct types of microRNA or miRNA, the newly developed sensor can distinguish between an acute heart attack and a reperfusion 鈥� the restoration of blood flow, or reperfusion injury, and requires less blood than traditional diagnostic methods to do so. The ability to differentiate between someone with inadequate blood supply to an organ and someone with a reperfusion injury is an unmet, clinical need that this sensor addresses.
鈥淭he technology developed for this sensor showcases the advantage of using miRNA compared to protein-based biomarkers, the traditional diagnostic target,鈥� said , the Bayer Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at 91吃瓜 and co-author of the paper. 鈥淎dditionally, the portability and cost efficiency of this device demonstrates the potential for it to improve how heart attacks and related issues are diagnosed in clinical settings and in developing countries.鈥�
A patent application has been filed for the sensor and the researchers are working with 91吃瓜鈥檚 to potentially establish a startup company that would manufacture the device.
Bioengineers Chang and Zorlutuna are both affiliated with 91吃瓜鈥檚 . Additional co-authors from 91吃瓜 are Stuart Ryan Blood, Cameron DeShetler, Bradley Ellis, Xiang Ren, George Ronan聽and Satyajyoti Senapati. Co-authors from the University of Florida are David Anderson, Eileen Handberg, Keith March聽and Carl Pepine. The study was funded by the National Institutes of Health National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.
To read the full study published in Lab on a Chip, a journal from the Royal Society of Chemistry, and featured on the back outside cover, visit .
Originally published by at on Sept. 28.