Scientists from the Ural Federal University have introduced a groundbreaking device for measuring blood cholesterol that relies solely on inorganic components, avoiding protein-based reagents. This advancement is highlighted in research published in the Journal of Electroanalytical Chemistry. The new approach promises a simpler, more robust method for cholesterol assessment, reducing the need for biologically active molecules and the associated storage requirements.
Current cholesterol determination methods rely on colorimetric assays, chromatography, and enzyme-based techniques. These traditional methods can involve aggressive chemicals, expensive equipment, or enzymes that come from living organisms. Enzymes are prone to degradation, which means they require strict storage conditions and careful handling to maintain accuracy. The new sensor sidesteps these drawbacks by using inorganic materials, notably copper chloride, to detect cholesterol with high sensitivity.
A key feature is a magnetic nanoparticle layer embedded with polymers that selectively absorb cholesterol while filtering out other blood constituents. This selective capture enhances both the accuracy and reliability of the test. All components are integrated within a microfluidic chip, which is produced using 3D printing to streamline manufacturing and reduce lead times. The design emphasizes compactness and ease of use, aligning with the goal of bringing modern cholesterol testing into more clinical and point-of-care settings.
Initial tests have employed model solutions that mimic the properties of blood serum. Researchers plan to validate the system with real blood samples in the near term. If successful, the device could speed up measurements, simplify operation, and make cholesterol testing more accessible to a wider range of patients and healthcare facilities.