HEFEI, July 14 (Xinhua) -- Chinese researchers have developed a highly-sensitive blood test chip to accurately detect mercury (Hg2+) levels within a second, using only 10 microliters of blood, a fraction of a drop.
A research team at the Institute of Intelligent Machines, Chinese Academy of Sciences, designed a chip with molecular probes using analog simulation and FET (Field Effect Transistor) technologies, which showed ultra-sensitive performance in tests.
The FET chip exhibited excellent response and repeatability in the determination of Hg2+ in blood, said Huang Xingjiu who led the research.
Compared with traditional blood testing methods, the novel strategy with high sensitivity and stability for Hg2+ detection has reduced the needed blood sample by 200 times.
The measurement of ultralow concentrations of heavy metal ions in blood is challenging. The development of ultra-sensitive chips with an ultralow minimum detectable level of Hg2+ has easy operation at low cost, and is applicable in other biological and food tests.
The research was published in the latest issue of Small, a top multidisciplinary journal covering a broad spectrum of topics at the nano and micro scale.
