Scientists at the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali, have developed a nanotechnology-based tool that could enable early detection of Parkinson’s Disease (PD), one of the fastest-growing neurological disorders worldwide.
The research team explored how proteins behave differently in the brain during disease and focused on α-synuclein, a protein closely linked to Parkinson’s. This protein, which is harmless in its normal form, tends to clump into toxic aggregates that damage brain cells. Detecting this transformation at an early stage could provide a breakthrough in diagnosis and management.
To address this, the researchers created gold nanoclusters—tiny, glowing particles a few nanometers wide—coated with naturally occurring amino acids. The modified clusters showed selective binding: proline-coated nanoclusters attached to the normal protein, while histidine-coated ones latched onto the toxic forms. This allowed the team to distinguish between healthy and harmful protein conformations.
The team carried out extensive experiments, including spectroscopy, fluorescence imaging, electron microscopy, and electrochemical methods, to confirm the effectiveness of the biosensor. Tests in human-derived neuroblastoma cells confirmed its safety and sensitivity under biological conditions.
The study was led by Dr. Sharmistha Sinha, Senior Scientist at INST, with PhD scholars Harpreet Kaur and Ishani Sharma. The work also involved collaboration with Dr. Deepak Sharma and Arpit Tyagi from CSIR-IMTECH, Chandigarh.
According to the researchers, such a biosensor could detect the disease even before symptoms appear, paving the way for earlier treatment, improved quality of life, and reduced healthcare costs. The platform may also have potential applications in diagnosing other neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
The findings have been published in the journal Nanoscale of the Royal Society of Chemistry.
