Sensor Arrays Capable of Identifying Single Molecules Created

Detecting single molecules inside the body, such as the ones that some types of cells use to communicate with each other, has been a long-standing goal in science for many years. Now, investigators at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), in the United States, have managed to produce a new type of sensor array that is capable of identifying single hydrogen peroxide molecules being emitted by living cells. The chemical is known for its ill-effects on cells and the genetic material they contain, but some investigations hint at the fact that it could also play a more useful role in the body. Therefore, analyzing its effects in more depth is a must.

Studies have evidenced the fact that hydrogen peroxide may also play a role in promoting the growth of cells, by acting as a signaling molecule in the pathways that control this behavior. Experts explain that the negative influence of peroxide manifests itself when these pathways malfunction. This is one of the main causes of cancer, therefore understanding the chemical's action could play an important role in developing new drugs against the condition. The researcher was led by MIT expert Michael Strano. He is also the author of a new study detailing the findings, which appears in the March 7 online issue of the respected scientific journal Nature Nanotechnology.

In the new investigation, the MIT group used the advanced sensor array to keep track of hydrogen peroxide levels in interactions between EGF (a common growth factor) and EGFR (a receptor for the factor that is located on the surface of cells). The team was able to determine without a doubt that the amount of hydrogen peroxide that was produced when the factor attached to its receptor increased two-fold, which means that a direct link between the two exists. Strano says that the exact mechanisms through which the chemical acts are still unclear, but he is convinced that future studies will clear this mystery as well.

Another significant conclusion drawn from the research was the fact that peroxide levels were abnormally high in the case of skin-cancer cells. Oncologists believe that overactive EGFR may be responsible for the condition, and support this by showing that the amount of hydrogen peroxide at the surface of these cells is ten times greater than normal. This dramatic difference could constitute the basis of innovative diagnostic devices, the group says. “You could envision a small handheld device, for example, which your doctor could point at some tissue in a minimally invasive manner and tell if this pathway is corrupted,” Strano concludes.