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Led by Peng Zheng, an assistant research scientist at Johns Hopkins, the team created a chip with an innovative nanostructured surface that enhances the detection of heart attack biomarkers in blood samples. “We were able to invent a new technology that can quickly and accurately establish if someone is having a heart attack,” Zheng said.
Published in the journal Advanced Science, the test uses Raman spectroscopy to amplify electric and magnetic signals on the chip’s surface. This allows the detection of even ultra-low concentrations of heart attack biomarkers within seconds, providing a level of sensitivity not possible with existing tests, which often take hours to deliver results.
The new tool is designed for quick diagnostic work in clinical settings but has the potential to be adapted for use in handheld devices. This could allow first responders in the field or even individuals at home to perform tests, providing critical information when time is of the essence.
In addition to diagnosing heart attacks, the platform can be adapted for other uses, such as detecting cancer or infectious diseases. “We’re talking about speed, accuracy, and the ability to perform measurements outside of a hospital,” said senior author Ishan Barman, a bioengineer in the Department of Mechanical Engineering.
With significant commercial potential, the research team plans to refine the blood test and conduct larger clinical trials, bringing this life-saving technology closer to everyday use.
