Chung-Ang University develops precise biosensor for osteoporosis biomarker

Researchers at Chung-Ang University have achieved a significant breakthrough in the diagnosis of osteoporosis, a debilitating chronic condition. A team led by Professor Park Jong-pil from the Department of Food Science and Biotechnology has successfully developed a novel peptide-based electrochemical biosensor. This innovative device is designed for the precise detection of sclerostin, a protein that plays a crucial role in bone formation and is a key biomarker for assessing the progression and treatment response of osteoporosis.

The development addresses a critical gap in current diagnostic capabilities. While sclerostin is recognized as vital for monitoring bone health, existing methods for its quantitative detection have been limited in sensitivity and accuracy. Professor Park's team, in collaboration with Professor Lee Chang-yeon's group from the Department of Chemical Engineering, has engineered a biosensor platform that overcomes these limitations. Their approach involves identifying a highly selective peptide receptor, which can serve as an alternative to antibodies, and immobilizing it onto an electrode surface. This peptide receptor is currently pending patent approval.

Further enhancing the sensor's performance, the researchers incorporated a nanohydrogel structure composed of chitosan, zwitterions, and gold nanoparticles. This unique structure not only prevents non-specific protein adsorption, thereby improving accuracy, but also provides excellent electrical conductivity. The team validated the sensor's effectiveness by successfully detecting sclerostin in clinical samples from postmenopausal women and patients with chronic kidney disease, demonstrating its potential for real-world clinical application. This advancement holds promise for earlier and more accurate diagnosis and management of bone metabolic diseases.