SCIENTISTS at Northwestern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA, have unveiled a revolutionary implantable device capable of monitoring protein levels in the body in real time, a breakthrough poised to transform the management of chronic and acute illnesses. Inspired by the natural process of fruit falling from trees, the device uses DNA strands to capture and release proteins repeatedly, enabling continuous sampling of inflammatory markers.
In proof-of-concept studies, the device successfully tracked inflammatory protein biomarkers in diabetic rats, accurately reflecting real-time changes in their condition. The findings signal a new frontier in healthcare.
The authors likened the technology to continuous glucose monitors. “This is a completely new capability – to watch inflammation as it happens,” they said. “We’re just beginning to explore the many applications of this innovation.”
The device leverages nanoscale sensors designed to overcome the challenges of protein detection. Unlike traditional methods, where DNA receptors cling to proteins too tightly to measure real-time fluctuations, the team devised an ingenious solution. By applying an alternating electrical field, the DNA strands mimic pendulums, shaking off attached proteins to allow new ones to bind within seconds.
“It’s such a simple and elegant solution,” the team remarked. They drew inspiration from nature, comparing the mechanism to shaking ripe fruit from trees.
The implantable device, housed within a thin microneedle, has already demonstrated its precision in tracking cytokine levels in diabetic rats, responding dynamically to fasting, insulin injections, and immune system stimuli.
The authors envision the technology being used to monitor markers like BNP, critical for diagnosing and managing heart failure. “With real-time monitoring, we could intervene before symptoms worsen,” they noted, highlighting the device’s potential as a preventative healthcare tool akin to glucose monitoring.
This pioneering development could usher in a new era of personalised medicine, offering hope for better outcomes in conditions driven by inflammation and protein fluctuations.
Victoria Antoniou, EMJ
Reference
Zargartalebi H et al. Active-reset protein sensors enable continuous in vivo monitoring of inflammation. Science. 2024;386(6726):1146-53.
