Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Dankbar et al. (2007) have recently developed a diagnostic low-density DNA microarray
(B chip) for influenza B viruses. Their immunoassay is able to detect and identify the two
currently circulating major lineages: the virus strains B/Victoria/2/87 and B/Yamagata/16/88.
Their microarray procedure identifies the two virus strains in less than 8 h. The microarray
procedure involves multiplex nucleic acid amplification and microarray hybridization of
viral RNA.
Dankbar et al. (2007) point out that other microarray methods for the detection of influenza B
virus are available, but these methods are unable to provide the lineage information on the
virus (
Li et al., 2001; Sengupta et al., 2003; Kessler et al., 2004
). Previous reports are avail-
able on development of microarrays for the detection and identification of influenza A
viruses (
Mehlmann et al., 2006; Townsend et al., 2006; Dawson et al., 2006
).
Doleman et al. (2007)
have recently developed a bioluminescence DNA hybridization
assay for
Plasmodium falciparum
based on the photoprotein aequorin. These authors report
that
P. falciparum
is the most deadly and prevalent malaria species (
Thayer, 2005
).
Mangold et al. (2005)
point out that there are about 300-500 million cases of malaria
each year. This disease kills about 3 million people every year, with about 90% of the
deaths occurring in Africa.
Doleman et al. (2007)
explain that their bioluminescence
hybridization assay has a detection limit of 3 pg/
m
L, and has been employed for the
detection of target DNA in standard and spiked human samples. Furthermore, their hybrid-
ization assay has been developed in a microplate format without the need for sample PCR
amplification.
Prabhakaran et al. (2007)
have recently developed a naked-eye cadmium sensor which can
detect cadmium (II) ion at the submicromolar levels using the Langmuir-Blodgett technique.
These authors transferred molecular assemblies of 4-
n
-dodecyl-6-(2-thiazolylazo)resorcinol
on precleaned microscopic glass slides. These assemblies served as the sensing probe. They
point out that cadmium is a nonessential element; however, it is toxic to humans since it
forms a strong bond with sulfur. Therefore, it can replace the essential metal ions such as
Zn
2
þ
and Ca
2
þ
from the binding sites of certain enzymes (
Arvidson, 1994; Wang et al.,
1999; Lofts et al., 2005; Goel et al., 2006; Martelli et al., 2006; Prozialeck et al., 2006;
Cerullia et al., 2006
).
Prabhakaran et al. (2007)
point out that cadmium ions are released into
the atmosphere via erosion, abrasion, and volcanic eruption.
Kirk and Othmer (1982)
indicate
that cadmium may be found in water, soil, and food.
Phenols and their derivatives are persistent environmental pollutants in water streams,
and some of them are carcinogenic.
Anaissi and Toma (2005)
have developed a bentonite-
vanadium (V) oxide xerogel for the incorporation and detection of catechol. These authors
attempted to confine the catechol species, by intercalation into a hybrid vanadium (V) oxide
xerogel (VXG)
þ
bentonite material (
Anaissi et al., 1999, 2001
). They point out that this
