Label-free detection of DNA hybridization with a compact LSPR-based fiber-optic sensor.

A miniaturized, robust, localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR)-coupled fiber-optic (FO) nanoprobe providing an integrated and portable solution for detection of DNA hybridization and measurement of DNA concentrations has been demonstrated. The FO nanoprobe was created by constructing arrays of metallic nanostructures on the end facets of optical fibers utilizing nanofabrication technologies, including electron beam lithography and lift-off processes. The LSPR-FO nanoprobe device offers real-time, label-free, and low-sample-volume quantification of single-strand DNA in water with high sensitivity and selectivity, achieving a limit of detection around 10 fM. These results demonstrate the feasibility of the LSPR-FO nanoprobe device as a compact and low-cost biosensor for detection of short-strand DNA.

Innovations in Worksite Diagnosis of Urinary Tract Infections and the Occupational Health Nurse.

Occupational health nurses play a key role in evaluating innovative technologies that can aid in providing safe and rapid care and reduce lost work time. A nurse-led employee health clinic participated in a validation study of a novel pathogen detection technique developed by GeneCapture, Inc. Their proposed portable urinary tract infection (UTI) in vitro diagnostic test was challenged with discarded, deidentified urine samples from patients presenting with typical UTI symptoms collected at two university clinics and two multiphysician practices. GeneCapture's panel for this study was designed to rapidly identify the genetic signature of seven organisms: gram-negative Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa; gram-positive Enterococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus aureus; and fungal Candida species. The results from 40 clinical samples were in 95% agreement (90% specificity, 100% sensitivity) with traditional urine culture results from routine analysis. This successful occupational health nursing collaboration and validation study shows promise for point-of-care diagnoses and earlier treatment for workers with UTIs.