Scientists at the National University of Science and Technology MISIS have developed a groundbreaking non-invasive nanosensor capable of measuring copper levels in the body in real time, offering new insights for diagnosing and treating conditions like Alzheimer’s and cancer. The study, published in Analytical Chemistry, highlights the critical role of copper measurement in understanding diseases related to copper metabolism, including Wilson’s disease, Menkes syndrome, and various cancers.
The high-precision sensor developed by NUST MISIS researchers can detect physiological concentrations of copper across a range of biological samples, from individual cells to entire organs. Its ability to perform accurate, real-time measurements with minimal invasiveness marks a significant advancement in monitoring diseases linked to copper imbalance, according to the researchers.
Compared to existing technologies, this nanoscale sensor is both more precise and versatile. It can measure copper in microscopic samples as small as 10-100 microns, as well as in entire organs, surpassing the limitations of larger, task-specific sensors typically used in biomedical research. Previously, copper monitoring required invasive procedures involving tissue collection from multiple animals. This new technology allows repeated measurements on the same subjects, thus reducing the need for large numbers of experimental animals and improving data accuracy.
Roman Timoshenko, an engineer at the NUST MISIS Biophysics Research Laboratory, explained that the sensor facilitates precise copper level monitoring in research on copper-related metabolic disorders. Using nanosized quartz capillaries modified with carbon, gold, and a copper-binding compound, the sensor detects copper through an electrochemical reaction recorded via cyclic voltammetry.
Alevtina Chernikova, NUST MISIS rector, praised the development, led by Alexander Yerofeev, saying that the new sensor provides real-time, accurate, and less invasive results, paving the way for advances in diagnosing and treating diseases like Alzheimer’s and various cancers. The research team aims to incorporate the sensor into a compact device for long-term monitoring of metals in living organisms.