IASST Develops Smart Sensor for Precise Drug Dosage in Parkinson's Disease

The sensor leverages a fluorescence turn-on mechanism to monitor L-dopa levels in biological fluids, helping to determine the correct dosage required for effective treatment.

Scientists from the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST) have developed a portable, user-friendly smartphone-based sensor system to improve the management of Parkinson's disease by accurately detecting the concentration of L-dopa in patients. 

The sensor leverages a fluorescence turn-on mechanism to monitor L-dopa levels in biological fluids, helping to determine the correct dosage required for effective treatment.

Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the gradual loss of neuron cells, leading to a significant decrease in dopamine levels in the brain. 

L-dopa, a precursor to dopamine, is commonly used as a treatment to manage symptoms. However, maintaining the correct dosage of L-dopa is critical, as too much can cause severe side effects, while too little can result in the return of debilitating symptoms.

"As long as the correct amount of L-dopa is administered, the disease remains manageable. However, due to the progressive nature of Parkinson's, as the patient ages, more L-dopa is needed to compensate for the ongoing loss of neurons," The Indian Ministry of Science & Technology noted.

About the Smart Sensor

The newly developed sensor by IASST utilizes a silk-fibroin protein nano-layer derived from Bombyx mori silk cocoons, which is coated onto the surface of reduced graphene oxide nanoparticles. 

This forms core-shell graphene-based quantum dots with excellent photoluminescence properties. It is an effective fluorescent turn-on sensor for detecting L-dopa in various biological samples, including blood plasma, sweat, and urine.

The sensor operates within a linear detection range of 5 μM to 35 μM, with detection limits of 95.14 nM, 93.81 nM, and 104.04 nM in blood plasma, sweat, and urine, respectively. 

This level of sensitivity allows for accurate monitoring of L-dopa levels, ensuring that the dosage can be adjusted to manage the disease effectively, claimed the researchers.

The researchers have also designed a smartphone-based device with an electric circuit connected to a 365nm LED powered by a 5V smartphone charger. The setup is enclosed in a dark chamber to eliminate interference from external light sources. 

During the sensing process, visual color changes are observed by illuminating the sensor probe with the 365 nm LED, and images are captured using a smartphone camera. The RGB values extracted from these images are then analyzed using a mobile app to evaluate the L-dopa concentration.

This approach offers a simple, cost-effective, and rapid screening tool, particularly useful for on-the-spot analyte detection in remote areas where advanced laboratory equipment may not be available. 

"Considering the critical role of the optimum level of L-dopa in therapy, it is essential to develop a simple, cost-effective, sensitive, and quick method for monitoring L-dopa in biological fluids," the Ministry stated.

This advancement could potentially improve the quality of life for those living with Parkinson's by reducing the risks associated with improper L-dopa administration.