A New Biosensor that Improves Stem Cell Therapy

Posted by MSE Supplies Admin on Nov 14, 2019

Researchers at Rutgers University have developed a new biosensor with high sensitivity and accuracy in order to reliably characterize the genetic material found within stem cells. The biosensor is constructed from a graphene and gold nanostructure which, when combined with Raman spectroscopy, detects RNA strands within stem cells with a selectivity above and beyond that of current biosensors. Due to their adaptable nature, stem cell micro-environments are highly complex, requiring a higher caliber biosensor to ensure accurate readings. During experimentation, the new graphene and gold biosensor accurately identified the strands of RNA that transform stem cells into neurons. Proper characterization of these pre-neuron stem cells will allow them to be safely and effectively used to combat degenerative neurological disorders. Now that this biosensor platform has been developed, the regenerative properties of properly categorized stem cells can be used as therapeutic treatments for a variety of ailments.

Figure 1: Graphene and gold platform that serves as revolutionary, new biosensor. Source: Letao Yang, KiBum Lee, Jin-Ho Lee and Sy-Tsong (Dean) Chueng.

Graphene products are available for purchase at MSE Supplies. The products available include graphene CVD films (monolayer or multi-layer) and graphene oxide (dry powder or dispersion in water) for either research or industrial production purposes. Substrates for the graphene films include copper, silicon, SiO₂, quartz, or PET.

For biological research and pharmaceutical development, MSE Supplies offers a variety of different lab shakers, incubator hoods, and homogenizers provided by our partner company, Edmund Bühler. The shakers are built to handle samples from 2kg up to 75kg in size.