Sensors that are able to gauge the Electrical properties of Single molecules may turn out to be excellent diag**stic devices able to spot microbes and biomarkers of disease. Turns out that there’s been a barrier to making such devices*because simply sticking a Molecule to an Electrical sensor introduces **ise from the sensor itself and masks the properties of the Molecule being measured.***w researchers at University of Limerick in Ireland have reported in journal Nature Materials on a way to slightly separate the molecules from the sensors while keeping them close e**ugh for Electrical analysis.
The technique involves adding silicone oil to the molecules being studied and placing the mixture onto a one atom thick layer of alkanes. The oil works to slow down molecules moving across the surface of the sensor, while the alkanes keep the molecules at a perfect distance for the sensor to do its thing.
The researchers believe the tech**logy may herald a new generation of diag**stic devices capable of detecting HIV, the common cold, and yes, everyone’s current favorite, Ebola.