Personalized Genetic Test With Gold Nanoprobes

Scientists at IBN have developed a gold nanoparticle-based test that could help patients with blood clots get the correct dose of warfarin faster.

AsianScientist (Jun 2, 2014) – Researchers have developed a fast and cost-effective genetic test to determine the correct dosage of blood thinning drugs for the treatment of stroke, heart problems and deep vein thrombosis. Using gold nanoprobes, this new technology offers personalized healthcare based on the genetic profile of the patients.

Warfarin is the most widely prescribed oral anticoagulant drug, used to treat stroke, irregular heartbeat and deep vein thrombosis. The dosage suitable for each individual is highly variable; the wrong dosage could cause an adverse reaction. Doctors currently determine the right dosage by monitoring the patients’ reactions and adjusting the dosage accordingly.

Studies have shown that the variability in warfarin dosage is linked to genes. Knowing a patient’s genetic profile can therefore help doctors to decide the correct dosage for the patient. This minimizes side effects and improves treatment outcomes.

However, current genetic tests are slow and expensive, often requiring over several days to generate results. This means that the initial dosage, which is the most important part of the treatment, may not be the optimal dosage.

Scientists led by Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (IBN) Executive Director Professor Jackie Y. Ying have developed a faster and more cost-effective genetic test. By using gold nanoprobes, IBN’s test kit can recognize three of the most common genetic variations, or single-nucleotide polymorphisms, associated with warfarin response.

In the test, DNA is extracted from blood or saliva of patients. After the DNA is amplified, it is then added to a pink solution of gold nanoparticles. If any of the three genetic variations is present, the solution will remain pink. But if none of the variations is present, the solution will turn colorless. The color change takes place within ten minutes. This test can be done using standard laboratory equipment.

IBN’s test has been validated by the National Cancer Centre Singapore, the National University Cancer Institute Singapore, and the Institute of Biomedical Sciences in Taiwan.

Prof. Ying added, “This nanoprobe technology is highly flexible and can be extended to detect other genetic variations. By making molecular diagnostics information more readily available, doctors will be able to provide personalized treatment that is safer and more effective.”

This finding was reported recently in the journal Nano Today.

IBN’s nanoprobe technology is currently on trial at Singapore’s KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital in relation to carbamazepine, a different drug that is used for epilepsy treatment.

The article can be found at: Zu et al. (2014) Nanoprobe-based genetic testing.

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Source: Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology.

Disclaimer: This article does not necessarily reflect the views of AsianScientist or its staff.

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