
"Revolutionary Pathogen Detection: DNA Nanoballs and Electronics Unite"
Researchers at Karolinska Institute have developed a new method using DNA nanoballs and electronics to detect pathogens, potentially revolutionizing pathogen detection and simplifying nucleic acid testing. The method involves generating DNA nanoballs through isothermal DNA amplification and detecting them electrically as they pass between electrodes. The technology has demonstrated high sensitivity and rapid results, making it a promising tool for diagnosing various pathogens. The label-free detection approach could accelerate the development and deployment of diagnostic kits, offering a cheap and scalable point-of-care device. The researchers are exploring applications in environmental monitoring, food safety, and virus and antimicrobial resistance detection, and have applied for a patent for the technology.