Detecting Alzheimer’s Biomarkers In-vivo with Near-Infrared Optical Nanosensors

A major barrier in the development of successful preventative treatments for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the lack of diagnostic measures that can longitudinally monitor AD progression, starting in early stages. Amyloid beta (Aß) accumulation and self-assembly is a central event in disease pathogenesis, and its use as a biomarker is established for disease prognosis and monitoring. In my talk I will present a carbon nanotube optical sensor that can monitor Aß biomarkers in live samples over time. By taking advantage of carbon nanotube intrinsic near-infrared emission within the biological transparency window, and by utilizing fluorescence responsiveness to the immediate vicinity of the nanotube surface, we engineered a non-invasive longitudinal sensor for Aβ biomarkers in live samples. In my talk I will present the sensor’s dynamic response to Aβ accumulation. I will also touch upon my post-doc experience and my observations about adapting new research skills.