A sensor technology that can detect a single molecule of the human papillomavirus (HPV) have been developed by Iowa State University researchers

We know that HPV is the virus associated with cervical cancer in women. The new technology is a significant improvement to current HPV tests available for women.

The new detection technology improves current technology by eliminating a step to amplify DNA samples for testing. Although the current test is efficient and well understood, the amplification can cause small contaminants to create test errors.

Yeung's single molecule spectroscopy technique involves creating chemical reagents that recognize and fluorescently tag the genetic sequence of the human papillomavirus. Test samples pass through a laser beam that lights the tags. Cameras capture the images for computer analysis.

The research team tested the technique using samples from normal Pap smears. They also spiked some of those samples with the virus to make sure the tests picked up known amounts of the virus.

The said sensor - which may be used in other viruses (HIV, avian flu) as well - is going to be developed for laboratory use as soon as agreements with interested companies are sealed.

Find more details from Iowa State U News.

[In Photo: Edward Yeung uses laser beams to light up tags that indicate molecules of human papillomavirus are present in a cell. (Credit: Photo by Jim Heemstra)]