Researchers at Arizona State University have created a new diagnostic tool that could change the way we detect serious diseases like COVID-19, Ebola, AIDS, and Lyme disease.
Their test, called NasRED (Nanoparticle-Supported Rapid Electronic Detection), uses just one drop of blood, gives results in 15 minutes, and costs only about $2 per test.
This portable, easy-to-use device delivers results with accuracy equal to or even better than lab-based tests. It can be used anywhere—from rural clinics to busy hospitals—without needing expensive machines or trained technicians.
The test works by detecting very small amounts of proteins linked to specific diseases using gold nanoparticles.
Chao Wang, an ASU associate professor and lead author of the study, says this new test combines the speed of rapid tests with the precision of lab tests, something very hard to achieve. The research was published in the journal ACS Nano.
Infectious diseases remain one of the leading causes of death worldwide, especially in low-income countries. Lack of access to fast and reliable diagnostic testing often results in missed or delayed diagnoses.
This delay can make diseases harder to treat and allows outbreaks to spread more easily. NasRED has the potential to solve this problem by helping health workers identify infections early and act quickly.
The test uses engineered gold nanoparticles coated with molecules that can find and bind to proteins made by viruses or bacteria. When mixed with a drop of blood, saliva, or nasal fluid, the nanoparticles respond by either sinking or floating, depending on whether disease proteins are present.
The device then shines a light through the sample. If the liquid becomes clearer, it means the nanoparticles have sunk to the bottom, indicating the presence of disease.
NasRED is extremely sensitive, able to detect as few as several hundred molecules—100,000 times less than what traditional lab tests need. Its design makes it low-cost and user-friendly, making it perfect for use in places with limited resources.
While PCR and ELISA tests are accurate, they are expensive and require special equipment. NasRED delivers comparable accuracy for a fraction of the cost and time.
This technology could be especially useful for diseases that are difficult to catch early, like hepatitis C, HIV, or Lyme disease. It’s also a powerful tool for detecting rare but dangerous diseases in early outbreak stages. The researchers are working to make the device even more compact and automated, which could one day allow people to use it at home.
In their study, the researchers showed that NasRED is about 3,000 times more sensitive than ELISA tests, uses 16 times less fluid, and provides results 30 times faster. It has already shown strong results in detecting diseases like Ebola and COVID-19, and is being adapted to test for Alzheimer’s, cancer, and even livestock diseases.
Wang, who recently won an award from the Bay Area Lyme Foundation, plans to use the technology to detect early Lyme infections. As the tool improves, it could also be used for monitoring chronic diseases and improving public health around the world.
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