Research Projects

Background: Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and multiple sclerosis (MS), represent a significant global health challenge, disproportionately affecting the elderly population. These conditions are characterized by progressive neuronal damage and loss, leading to debilitating symptoms and increased mortality. Over the past three decades, mortality from neurological disorders has increased by 42.1%, accounting for 11.8% of all deaths globally. This rise is largely attributed to aging populations, emphasizing the urgent need for effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Current diagnostic methods, including cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis and neuroimaging, are often invasive, expensive, and time-consuming, hindering early and accurate diagnosis. Consequently, there is a critical need for rapid, cost-effective, and non-invasive diagnostic tools to facilitate early intervention and improve patient outcomes. Rationale of the Study: Neurofilament light chain (NfL) are crucial biomarkers (FDA approved) for neurodegenerative diseases, with NfL indicating neuronal damage. A new electrochemical immunosensor lateral flow assay (LFIA) combines detection of marker (NfL) into a single, easy to-use device. This test is faster, more affordable, and simpler than traditional methods like ELISA, which require specialized equipment. It can analyze various samples, such as saliva and blood, quickly on-site. This innovation aims to provide a rapid and reliable tool for diagnosing and monitoring neurodegenerative diseases, even in remote areas. Hypothesis: A portable electrochemical lateral-flow device is developed for the detection of NfL. This handheld device aims to improve early detection and real-time monitoring of neurodegenerative diseases, providing a simple, cost-effective alternative to traditional methods. Its high sensitivity and specificity promise significant advances in the effective diagnosis of these conditions. Conclusion: The development of a portable electrochemical lateral flow immunosensor for Neurofilament light chain (NfL) detection presents a transformative approach to diagnosing and monitoring neurodegenerative diseases. By combining the specificity of immunoassays with the rapid response and portability of electrochemical detection, this device offers a non-invasive, low-cost, and user-friendly solution suitable for both clinical and point-of-care settings. It overcomes key limitations of conventional diagnostic methods, enabling early intervention and improved disease management, especially in resource-limited or remote environments. Ultimately, this innovation has the potential to significantly enhance patient care and reduce the global burden of neurological disorders.