Power-free microchip could speed up disease diagnosis

The new microfluidic chip, developed by researchers at Japan’s RIKEN Advanced Science Institute (ASI), is claimed to enable the detection of microRNA (miRNA) from extremely small samples in 20 minutes.

By reducing the time and quantity of sample required for detection, the chip is claimed to lay the groundwork for the early-stage point-of-care diagnosis of diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer’s.

According to RIKEN, miRNAs are small, non-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression in a range of biological processes, including development, cell proliferation, differentiation and cell death (apoptosis).

Concentration of certain miRNA in body fluids increases with the progression of diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer’s, generating hope that these short RNA may hold the key to faster, more accurate diagnoses.

Currently available techniques for sensitive miRNA detection, however, require days to reach a diagnosis and involve equipment operated only by trained personnel.

According to a statement, the research team set out to overcome these obstacles by developing a device that enables fast, easy-to-use point-of-care diagnosis from only a very small sample.