Diagnostics Kit Is Based on a CD-ROM

A medical diagnostics kit based on a CD-ROM carries sensors for quickly analyzing toxins and biologic samples.

Originally developed by materials scientist Marc Madou of Ohio State University (Columbus, OH, USA) and colleagues, the technology was subsequently reproduced on a wide scale in a number of analytic laboratories. However, the CD they developed simply acted as a readily available, mass-produced substrate for the analysis with no recourse to the CD player.

Now, scientists in Spain have reported in the October 15, 2007, issue of the journal Analytical Chemistry that the CD technology could be adapted for tests ranging from the measurement of environmental toxins to at-home disease diagnosis. Angel Maquieira Ph.D., from the Universidad Politécnica de Valencia (Valencia, Spain) and colleagues demonstrated technology that has the potential for performing a range of key laboratory tests. They developed a CD with a surface coating of so-called immunoassay materials and used it to identify three pesticides--2,4,5-TP, chlorpyriphos, and metolachlor--placed on the disc. Upon spinning in a CD player with its standard laser light, the compounds caused changes in light intensity. A computer interpreted those changes and correctly named the compounds.

"The obtained results show the enormous prospective of compact discs in combination with CD players for multiresidue and drug discovery applications,” the article reported. The scientists are currently working on ways to increase the sensitivity and versatility of the new technique. One important aim is to develop hardware and methodologies for physicians' use in the office or at home.


Related Links:
Ohio State University
Universidad Politécnica de Valencia