The development of a groundbreaking new method to accurately measure human serum albumin (HSA) levels in individuals with chronic kidney disease has made significant progress through collaborative research between Flinders University and Japanese researchers. This innovative approach utilizes a novel system of aggregation-induced emissions (AIE) biosensors, which have been further engineered by PhD candidate Qi Hu at the National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS) in Japan. Dr. Masanobu Iwanaga, an expert in metasurface optical biosensing, has played a key role in advancing this research.
The project focused on enhancing the accuracy of HSA measurements in urine tests by leveraging fluorescent biosensors with AIE capabilities. Professor Youhong Tang, a leading expert from Flinders University, emphasized the need to address the inconsistencies in urine sample readings for HSA testing using this cutting-edge technology. The development of a nanophotonic all-dielectric metasurface platform incorporating AIE biosensors has shown exceptional potential for detecting HSA in conditions such as diabetic kidney disease and acute kidney injury.
This innovative approach not only improves the accuracy of HSA measurements but also offers a more portable and cost-effective solution for conducting large-scale surveys of kidney function biomarkers. Chronic kidney disease is a growing health concern globally, with millions of individuals affected by this condition. However, the asymptomatic nature of CKD often leads to underreporting, making accurate prevalence estimates challenging to obtain.
Monitoring HSA levels is crucial for assessing the status and progression of CKD and diabetic kidney disease, as these biomarkers provide valuable insights into kidney function. The integration of a microfluidic system and a metasurface substrate in the new platform enables real-time monitoring of AIE FL enhancements with high throughput and low reagent consumption. Dr. Iwanaga highlighted the potential of this metasurface as a biomedical chip-based platform for quantitative biomarker detection.
The research article detailing this groundbreaking work, titled “Metasurface Platform Incorporating Aggregation Induced Emission Based Biosensor for Enhanced Human Serum Albumin Detection,” has been published in the prestigious journal Advanced Optical Materials. The success of this project was made possible through the support of various organizations, including the Flinders University-NIMS Cooperative Graduate Program and funding from JSPS KAKAENHI.
In conclusion, the collaboration between Flinders University and Japanese researchers has advanced the field of HSA measurement in chronic kidney disease, paving the way for more accurate and accessible diagnostic tools. This groundbreaking research not only enhances our understanding of kidney function biomarkers but also holds immense promise for improving healthcare outcomes for individuals living with CKD and related conditions.
