The biosensor invented by Anna Tokarzewicz is to enable faster and more accurate quantification of the enzyme involved in cancer development.
In her project, Tokarzewicz prepared a biosensor for the quantitative determination of the matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) enzyme in biological samples, e.g. urine or blood. In her opinion, due to the fact that this compound participates in the development of neoplasms, it can be considered a potential tumor marker in cancer diagnostics.
Currently, the PhD student told PAP, there is no quick and accurate method that can quantify this compound in natural samples. She added that a widely used method in biomedical research is the so-called ELISA test. In her opinion, using this technique, measurement errors may be generated, which is caused by a change in the functionality of the compounds being determined by using special markers during the test. Hence the idea for – as she said – “faster and more accurate measurements”.
The biosensor designed by Tokarzewicz is needed to determine the amount of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1). The inventor explained that matrix metalloproteinase-1 is a compound that degrades the components of the extracellular matrix – a mixture that fills the space between cells.
«There are various kinds of compounds, such as collagen, fibronectin, laminin; and it is this enzyme (metalloproteinase-1) that degrades one of the components of this mixture – various types of collagen. As a result, this enzyme enables the invasion of metastatic neoplastic cells in other parts of the body, that is the development of the neoplasm »- explained Tokarzewicz.
A biosensor is a glass plate that is coated with gold and special chemicals such as a biological receptor. By illuminating this biosensor with laser light of sufficiently high energy, surface plasmon resonance (electromagnetic quenching field) is generated. It is very sensitive to changes caused by the binding of various types of biological molecules to the surface of this biosensor. Depending on how many molecules bind to the biosensor, the intensity of the radiation reflected from it changes.
“By comparing the intensity of the reflected radiation before the interaction with a specific sample, in which there is a specific relationship, with the intensity of the radiation reflected after this interaction, you read the concentration of that specific compound in the sample” – explained Tokarzewicz.
In her opinion, this method is faster and more accurate than the ELISA test; also the time to prepare and read the results is shorter. In addition, the results of measurements from the biosensor are obtained in the form of photos, not sensograms, which makes it possible to determine concentrations in a greater number of samples at the same time.
Recently, the Tokarzewicz project won an award in the “Technotalent” competition for innovative projects by young people from the province. Podlasie.