Smartphone-Based Alzheimer’s Diagnostic Platform
Prelims:
Science &
Technology
Mains:
GS Paper II:
Issues relating to development and management of health, GS Paper III: Science
& Technology
Current affairs:
Scientists
at the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR),
an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DST),
have developed TZ-48, a fluorescence-responsive molecular probe, along
with ADxFluor, a smartphone-integrated platform.
Highlights:
Alzheimer’s Disease &
Role of Amyloid-β:
1.
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder
characterised by memory loss, cognitive decline and behavioural impairment.
2.
A major feature of AD is the misfolding and aggregation of amyloid-β
(Aβ) into fibrils and extracellular plaques.
3.
These plaques trigger neurotoxic processes, resulting in synaptic
dysfunction and neurodegeneration.
4.
The NIA-AA framework identifies amyloid-β,
tau and neurodegeneration as core biomarkers for definitive AD diagnosis across
the brain, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood.
5.
Aβ pathology appears early and is AD-specific, making it a reliable
diagnostic indicator.
TZ-48 Fluorescence Probe:
1.
TZ-48 is a tiny molecule that acts as a fluorescence-responsive
probe for amyloid-β.
2.
When
it interacts with Aβ,
its fluorescence intensity changes, enabling detection and measurement.
3.
It
provides highly selective, sensitive and differential detection of Aβ fibrils through turn-on fluorescence and distinct lifetime
signatures.
4.
TZ-48
exhibits Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB) permeability and can label Aβ plaques in transgenic Alzheimer's
disease mouse brains.
5.
It
is compatible with Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM) and Fluorescence
Lifetime Imaging Microscopy (FLIM).
6.
It
can also detect Aβ
in CSF and blood serum.
ADxFluor:
Smartphone-Integrated Detection:
1.
ADxFluor is a smartphone-integrated platform
developed to use the fluorescence response of TZ-48.
2.
Changes
in fluorescence are captured and quantified through a dedicated smartphone
application.
3.
It
enables rapid and unbiased quantification of serum Aβ load.
4.
The
platform has potential applications in the screening and staging of
Alzheimer's disease.
5.
The
system integrates dual-mode brain imaging, biofluid detection and smartphone-based
Aβ quantification.
Significance:
1.
Accessible
Diagnosis: Provides a
simpler alternative to diagnostic methods requiring expensive and specialised
infrastructure.
2.
Early
Detection: Targets Aβ pathology, an early and AD-specific biomarker.
3.
Point-of-Care
Potential: Smartphone
integration improves the portability and accessibility of diagnostic
testing.
4.
Cost-effectiveness: Offers the potential for a low-cost
and scalable diagnostic platform.
5.
Wider
Application: The
TZ-48–ADxFluor system could provide a foundation for next-generation smart
diagnostics for Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases.
Source:
PIB - https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2303169®=48&lang=2