Scientists have developed an affordable, user-friendly, portable smartphone-based fluorescence turn-on sensor system that can help in the prevention of Parkinson's disease. This sensor will help in accurately detecting the concentration of L-dopa in the body, thereby helping in determining the exact dosage required for effective prevention of this disease. Parkinson's disease is characterized by a steady deterioration in neuron cells which leads to a significant decrease in the levels of dopamine (neurotransmitter) in our body. L-dopa is a chemical that gets converted into dopamine in our body, hence it acts as anti-Parkinson's drugs.
The researchers have designed a smartphone-based electronic device in which an electric circuit is connected to a 365 nm LED powered by a 5 V smartphone charger. The entire setup is placed in a dark chamber to isolate it from external light. This simple, affordable and quick screening device is important for on-the-spot detection of analytes in remote areas lacking advanced equipment.
By detecting whether L-DOPA levels are low in a patient's biological samples, this sensor could help adjust the dosage needed to effectively control the disease.
Publication link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pneurobio.2006.11.009
