Bio-probe monitors iron anomalies in biological tissues

A chronic imbalance of iron can result in conditions including anaemia and haemochromatosis, the latter being one of Australia's most common hereditary diseases. The test is said to be more sensitive and specific than blood testing currently used to detect iron disorders, which begin at very low, cellular level concentrations.

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"More than 30 per cent of the world's population lives with an iron imbalance, which over time can lead to certain forms of cancer, as well Parkinson's Disease and Alzheimer's Disease," said bio-probe developer Pooria Lesani, a PhD candidate from the Tissue Engineering and Biomaterials Research Unit and the ARC Centre for Innovative BioEngineering. "Current testing methods can be complex and time consuming. To counter this, and to enable the early detection of serious diseases, we have developed a hyper-sensitive and cost-efficient skin testing technique for detecting iron in the body's cells and tissue.”

Using novel carbon-based fluorescent bio-nanoprobe technology, the test, which involves non-invasive subcutaneous or intravenous injections, allows for a more accurate disease diagnosis before the onset of symptoms, potentially allowing for the early treatment and prevention of more serious diseases. A paper detailing the research is are published in Applied Materials & Interfaces.