Simplifying skin disease diagnosis with topical nanotechnology

A new study published in the journal Nature Biomedical Engineering1 documents a novel diagnostic technology that exploits topically applied nanotechnology to detect skin tissue biomarkers for diagnosis. This concept is demonstrated by noninvasively imaging connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) mRNA...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Yeo, David Chenloong, Xu, Chenjie
Other Authors: School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: 2020
Subjects:
Online Access:https://hdl.handle.net/10356/139082
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Institution: Nanyang Technological University
Language: English
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Summary:A new study published in the journal Nature Biomedical Engineering1 documents a novel diagnostic technology that exploits topically applied nanotechnology to detect skin tissue biomarkers for diagnosis. This concept is demonstrated by noninvasively imaging connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) mRNA in abnormal scar cells, whole tissue, and animal models. In this commentary, we highlight the main findings and discuss their implications. Successful implementation in the clinic could give rise to self-applied, biopsy-free diagnostic technology and significantly reduce healthcare burden. Crucially, noninvasive visualization of disease biomarkers, mobile device signal acquisition, and Internet-enabled transmission could significantly transform the diagnosis of skin disease and other superficial tissues.