Cancer, heart disease, H1N1 and DNA-mutation diseases like sickle-cell anemia are deadly—and all too common. In order to detect and treat these diseases in time to save lives, they need to be detected at the molecular level, early in their development.
Hyun Kwon, assistant professor of engineering, and her research team are developing a device that will be able to detect the biological “markers” given off by molecules. Diagnosing diseases early and accurately makes the treatment much more effective. Biosensor technologies could be used in any doctor’s office for detection of, for example, H1N1 flu, or cancer and cardiac markers.
A biosensor converts variations in a sample of blood into an electrical signal that can be measured. Variations in the signal will indicate the presence of the harmful “markers,” and doctors can begin treatment immediately. In collaboration with the University of Notre Dame and University of Maryland-Baltimore, Kwon is using nanotechnology to make the biosensor small enough to be a handheld device.
Biosensor technology requires knowledge of biochemistry, chemistry, nano-engineering, electronics, and chemical and mechanical engineering. Technology like this is continually improving. Whatever emphasis you choose, there’s a place in the field for you.
