Researchers at Duke University have developed a gravity-powered microfluidic device that is intended for use as a diagnostic technology in low-resource areas. Microfluidics have enormous potential for point-of-care diagnostics, but the inclusion of tiny pumps and other sophisticated electronic components dramatically increases the complexity and cost of such devices. In an effort to develop a […]
Tag: Duke
Nanorattles for Rapid Detection of Multiple mRNA Cancer Biomarkers
Scientists at Duke University have developed a ‘nanorattle’ system that allows for the detection of mRNA biomarkers of cancer. The tiny structures consist of gold nanospheres with a surrounding silver nanocage, forming the so-called rattle. The nanorattles are also loaded with light scattering dyes called Raman reporters. When illuminated with a laser, the rattles emit […]
Antimicrobial Coating Prevents Infections Around Ortho Implants
A group at Duke University engineered an antibiotic delivery system to make the surfaces of orthopedic implants resistant to bacterial infiltration. The technique involves spraying or painting a combination of hydrophilic and hydrophobic polymers, mixed with an antibiotic of choice, onto the surface of the implant. A UV light is then used to cure the […]