Sensor Technology for Diagnosing Tuberculosis

摘要

A sensor technology comprising a single nano-material (gold nanoparticles and/or carbon nanotube) based sensor or a plurality of sensors in conjunction with a pattern recognition algorithm for non-invasive and accurate diagnosis of tuberculosis caused by M. tuberculosis bacteria in a subject. The sensor technology is suitable for population screening of tuberculosis, particularly in resource-poor and developing countries.

主权项

1. A method of diagnosing tuberculosis caused by M. tuberculosis bacteria in a subject, the method comprising the steps of:
(a) providing a sensor comprising at least one of gold nanoparticles coated with dodecanethiol and single walled carbon nanotubes coated with 2-methyl-2-butene; (b) exposing the sensor to a test sample selected from exhaled breath and at least one bodily fluid or secretion of the subject; (c) measuring an electrical signal upon exposure of the sensor to the test sample using a detection means; and (d) diagnosing tuberculosis caused by M. tuberculosis bacteria if the electrical signal is greater than a reference.