Our solution
Our kit works using a simple non invasive salivary sample. This
itself makes the kit much more affordable and accessible instead of
traditional diagnostic methods requiring a CSF sample.
The saliva contains several biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease.
Through literature review we found that beta amyloid and lactoferrin
could be used as potential biomarkers for detection. The levels of
these protein biomarkers can be detected by the use of specific DNA
aptamers which can bind to these proteins.
In-silico modification can be achieved through molecular simulation
and docking studies of the existing selex constructed aptamers
increase binding. These aptamers are immobilised on a gold electrode.
The binding of protein and DNA aptamer casues a conformational change
leading to an electric signal.
This signal is quantified and amplifed with the help of a potentiostat
to increase ease of use. Bluetooth can be used to send the results in
a user friendly readable format to our smartphones.