International researchers explore rapid infectious disease test through use of glowing paper strips, blood

Researchers from Eindhoven University of Technology in The Netherlands and Keio University in Japan are currently exploring infectious disease test alternatives through the use of a special glowing paper strip, a drop of blood, and a digital camera.

The study, published in the journal Angewandte Chemie, found that the quick solution is an inexpensive alternative to time- and cost-consuming hospital efforts. The test has even more potential in developing countries for easy testing of tropical diseases.

The researchers said the test only takes 20 minutes and any digital camera, such as the ones found on a mobile phone, can determine the exact color for the test’s results.

“A biochemical reaction causes the underside of paper to emit blue-green light,” Maarten Merkx, Eindhoven University of Technology professor and research leader, said. “The bluer the color, the higher the concentration of antibodies.”

That color comes from a luminous sensor protein in the paper. Blood causes a reaction in the protein that produces bioluminescence, much like fireflies. In theory, the blue light should then turn green, but if an antibody binds to the sensor protein, it cannot do so. Therefore, a lot of green in the light means few antibodies, while little green means many antibodies.

Tests have already proven successful in three simultaneous antibody cases: HIV, flu and dengue fever. Merkx expects the test to be on the market within a few years.