Sexually Transmitted Infections: Transistors Used To Detect Fungus Candida Albicans

A nanosensor research group has recently been looking into testing for a certain STD (one that produces Candida albicans yeast) using transistors. They have been using field-effect transistors to that are based on carbon nano-tubes. The transistors are connected to biosensors that have certain antigens. Candida samples obtained from the patient are placed directly onto the the biosensor. The interaction between the antigens and antibodies causes changes in electrical activity. These changes are monitored, and from the data the researchers are able to get an immediate diagnosis. Currently doctors test for Candida albicans through microbial cultures, PCR, immunoassays, and serological tests. These tests usually causes patients to wait a long time for results, and many of these are false positives and negatives. This new method may will be able to act as a second test to check the current method, or in the future be able to become the main one.

The Candida albicans fungus is naturally occuring in humans. It exists in the skin, the digestive tract, and within the respiratory system. It is more commonly found in people who suffer from tumors, diabetes, lymphomas, and immunodeficiency's.

I decided to write about this article because I am currently in a circuit theory class. I found it interesting that doctors were able to use circuit components to test for biological substances. The URL for this article is http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090507094308.htm.