Rapid Fire
Biosensor For Parkinson’s Disease
- 01 Sep 2025
- 2 min read
Scientists at the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali have developed a nanotechnology-based biosensor for the early detection of Parkinson’s Disease (PD).
Nanotechnology-based Biosensor
- Mechanism: The biosensor works using gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) coated with natural amino acids to selectively attach to specific forms of the α-synuclein protein (normally harmless but can misfold into toxic clumps (amyloids), damaging brain cells).
- Significance: This biosensor enables distinction between healthy and toxic α-synuclein, allowing early detection of PD before symptoms appear.
- It is low-cost, label-free, and suitable for point-of-care testing, and has potential applications for Alzheimer’s disease and other protein misfolding disorders.
Parkinson’s Disease
- About: PD is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder marked by motor symptoms (tremors, rigidity, postural instability) and non-motor symptoms (cognitive decline, mood disorders).
- Causes & Prevalence: Caused by loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra (region in the midbrain) leading to impaired movement.
- It is believed to result from a combination of genetic mutations and environmental factors like pesticides and pollution.
- Affected 8.5 million people in 2019, India accounts for approx. 10% of cases (0.58 million).
- By 2050, India’s cases are projected to rise 168% to 2.8 million, while global cases may reach 25.2 million.
- Treatment & Management: No cure exists, management includes medications (Levodopa/Carbidopa), surgery, and rehabilitation to reduce symptoms.
- National Parkinson Network (NPN) was established in 2024 by Movement Disorder Society of India (MDSI).
|
Read More: Sensor for Parkinson’s Disease Management, Neurodegenerative Diseases |
