3 Ground-Breaking Miniature Biosensors

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Lawrence Livermore Microbial Detection Array (LLMDA)
A research team from the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory has developed a miniature biosensor that is capable of identifying microbes in a sample within 24 hours. The original one-inch wide, 3-inch long Lawrence Livermore Microbial Detection Array (LLMDA) can identify approximately 2,000 viruses and 900 bacteria. However, a more advanced version currently under development will be able to detect about 5,700 viruses, thousands of bacteria and fungi as well as about 75 protozoa.

Frederick Balagaddé’s Bio-lab on a Microchip
Frederick Balagaddé, another scientist at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, has developed a microfluidics-based detection chip which functions to not only detect HIV, but also determine viral load in patients.

George Whitesides’s Postage-Sized Laboratory
Made only of paper and a water-repellant polymer, this biosensor can be used for detecting various biological compounds that can signify health or disease.