We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
INTEGRA BIOSCIENCES AG

Download Mobile App




Laser Scattering Technique Detects Single Molecules

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 21 Sep 2014
Print article
Image: Investigators identified individual unlabeled proteins by the weak shadow that the biomolecules produce when they scatter laser light (Photo courtesy of the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light).
Image: Investigators identified individual unlabeled proteins by the weak shadow that the biomolecules produce when they scatter laser light (Photo courtesy of the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light).
A recent paper described a novel technique for the label-free detection of single biomolecules such as tumor markers, proteins, or RNA fragments.

Investigators at the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light (Erlangen, Germany) adapted a method called interferometric detection of scattering (iSCAT) to achieve the goal of label-free single molecule detection.

In this approach, which was described fully in the July 29, 2014, online edition of the journal Nature Communications, the investigators directed laser light onto a microscope slide on which proteins of interest had been captured with appropriate biochemical lures. The bound proteins scattered the laser light, thus casting a shadow. By comparing shadow diagrams before and after binding of the proteins of interest, the investigators could identify target proteins, which stood out clearly from the background as dark spots, even though the shadow of the protein was only one ten-thousandth or even one hundred-thousandth as dark as the background.

“In our method the scattering image of a protein is amplified and stripped of background noise. iSCAT not only promises more sensitive diagnosis of diseases such as cancers, but will also shed light on many fundamental biochemical processes in nature,” said senior author Dr. Vahid Sandoghdar, director of the nano-optics division of the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light. “Until now it was thought that if you want to detect scattered light from nanoparticles, you have to eliminate all background light. However, in recent years we have realized that it is more advantageous to illuminate the sample strongly and visualize the feeble signal of a tiny nanoparticle as a shadow against the intense background light. The strength of our method lies not only in the fact that it is so sensitive and that we can count target proteins in a sample, iSCAT also shows us the exact position of particles.”

Related Links:

Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light


New
Gold Member
Serological Pipet Controller
PIPETBOY GENIUS
Antipsychotic TDM Assays
Saladax Antipsychotic Assays
New
Gold Member
ANA & ENA Screening Assays
ANA and ENA Assays
New
Thyroid ELISA Kit
AESKULISA a-TPO

Print article

Channels

Clinical Chemistry

view channel
Image: The new saliva-based test for heart failure measures two biomarkers in about 15 minutes (Photo courtesy of Trey Pittman)

POC Saliva Testing Device Predicts Heart Failure in 15 Minutes

Heart failure is a serious condition where the heart muscle is unable to pump sufficient oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. It ranks as a major cause of death globally and is particularly fatal for... Read more

Molecular Diagnostics

view channel
Image: Schematic overview of maternal biomarker discovery using cell-free RNA during pregnancy (Photo courtesy of Circulation Research (2024). DOI: 10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.124.325024)

Maternal Blood Test Identifies Congenital Heart Diseases in Fetus

Each year, around 1,000 children are born with a single ventricle heart defect (SVHD), a condition where one of the heart's lower chambers is underdeveloped, too small, or missing a valve.... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: QScout CBC will give a complete blood count in 2 minutes from fingerstick or venous blood (Photo courtesy of Ad Astra Diagnostics)

Next Gen CBC and Sepsis Diagnostic System Targets Faster, Earlier, Easier Results

Every hour is critical in protecting patients from infections, yet there are currently limited tools to assist in early diagnosis before patients reach a hospital. The complete blood count (CBC) is a common... Read more

Microbiology

view channel
Image: The InfectoSynovia test has the potential to revolutionize the diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

High-Accuracy Bedside Test to Diagnose Periprosthetic Joint Infection in Five Minutes

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) represents a significant global issue that is worsening as the number of joint replacements increases due to aging populations. In the United States alone, the anticipated... Read more

Pathology

view channel
Image

AI-Based Method Shows Promise for Pathological Diagnosis of Hereditary Kidney Diseases

Alport syndrome is a hereditary kidney disorder characterized by kidney dysfunction, sensorineural hearing loss, and ocular abnormalities. Early in the disease, patients experience hematuria, which is... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2024 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.