The low-cost, portable device could diagnose heart attacks in minutes

A groundbreaking development in the field of medical diagnostics has been achieved by researchers from the University of Notre Dame and the University of Florida. In a study published in Lab on a Chip, the team unveiled a sensor capable of diagnosing a heart attack in less than half an hour. This remarkable breakthrough could revolutionize the way heart attacks are diagnosed and potentially save countless lives.

Currently, diagnosing a heart attack can be a time-consuming process, often taking several hours. While initial results from an echocardiogram can provide indications of heart disease, confirming the occurrence of a heart attack requires a blood sample and subsequent analysis. This traditional method can take up to eight hours to yield results. However, the newly developed sensor aims to significantly shorten the diagnostic timeframe.

Led by Pinar Zorlutuna, the Sheehan Family Collegiate Professor of Engineering at Notre Dame, the research team targeted a specific combination of microRNA (miRNA) to create the sensor. By focusing on three distinct types of miRNA, the sensor can effectively differentiate between an acute heart attack and reperfusion injury, which refers to the restoration of blood flow. Moreover, the sensor requires a smaller amount of blood compared to conventional diagnostic methods.

Zorlutuna highlighted the limitations of current diagnostic approaches, stating that they not only consume valuable time but must also be administered within a specific window to ensure accurate results. In contrast, the newly developed sensor, with its ability to identify multiple conditions beyond heart attacks, overcomes these limitations, offering a faster and more versatile diagnostic solution.

Hsueh-Chia Chang, the Bayer Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at Notre Dame and co-author of the study, emphasized the advantages of using miRNA as a diagnostic target over protein-based biomarkers, which have traditionally been employed. Additionally, the portability and cost efficiency of the sensor hold great promise for enhancing heart attack diagnoses in both clinical settings and developing countries.

Recognizing the enormous potential of their invention, the researchers have filed a patent application for the sensor. Furthermore, they are collaborating with Notre Dame's IDEA Center to explore the establishment of a startup company dedicated to manufacturing the device. This venture aims to expedite the translation of this groundbreaking research into real-world applications and ensure widespread availability of the sensor.

The development of a sensor capable of diagnosing heart attacks in less than 30 minutes represents a significant milestone in the medical field. With its ability to accurately identify heart attacks and differentiate them from reperfusion injuries, this innovative technology has the potential to transform patient outcomes and streamline healthcare practices. As the researchers move closer to commercialization, their pioneering work brings hope for a future where heart attacks can be swiftly diagnosed and treated, ultimately saving lives worldwide.

Journal Information: Xiang Ren et al, A multiplexed ion-exchange membrane-based miRNA (MIX·miR) detection platform for rapid diagnosis of myocardial infarction, Lab on a Chip (2021). DOI: 10.1039/D1LC00685A