Malang (ANTARA) - A team of researchers from Universitas Brawijaya\n(UB), led by Prof Dr Aulanni\u2019am, has developed an early detection device\nfor hypothyroidism in newborns using the Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent\nAssay (ELISA) method.<\/p>\n
This innovation is designed as a diagnostic system capable of\nimproving accuracy, sensitivity, and efficiency in detecting thyroid\nhormone disorders in infants from an early stage, which has long been a\nchallenge in the medical field due to the minimal visible early\nsymptoms.<\/p>\n
\u201cTechnically, this device works by utilising polyclonal antibodies\nproduced through the induction of recombinant human Thyroid Stimulating\nHormone (hTSH) protein. The recombinant protein serves as a specifically\ndesigned antigen to stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies\nwith high affinity for thyroid hormone biomarkers,\u201d said Prof Aulanni\u2019am\nin Malang, East Java, on Tuesday.<\/p>\n
This process, she said, forms the core of the innovation, as the\nquality of the antibodies produced greatly determines detection\naccuracy. The resulting polyclonal antibodies can recognise various\nepitopes from a single antigen, thereby increasing the chances of\ninteraction with the target biomarker in biological samples.<\/p>\n
In its operation, Prof Aul explained, the device is integrated with\nthe ELISA method, an analysis technique based on antigen-antibody\nreactions equipped with an enzymatic system as an indicator.<\/p>\n
\u201cCongenital hypothyroidism is an endocrine disorder that must be\ndetected as early as possible, as it has a significant impact on child\ngrowth and development. Through this innovation, we aim to provide a\nmore precise detection method to support newborn health screening\nprogrammes in Indonesia,\u201d said Prof Aul.<\/p>\n
According to her, the advantage of this device lies in its high\nsensitivity level, enabling the detection of hormone levels in very low\nconcentrations, even before clinical symptoms appear.<\/p>\n
Additionally, its specificity is also enhanced due to the use of\nantibodies specifically designed against certain target biomarkers. This\nmakes the device superior to conventional methods, which tend to have\nlimitations in detecting early-stage cases.<\/p>\n
From the innovation design perspective, she continued, the device has\nbeen developed as a practical diagnostic kit prototype with potential\nfor mass production. The use of domestically researched materials,\nparticularly in the development of recombinant proteins and antibodies,\nadds value in terms of production cost efficiency.<\/p>\n
Furthermore, Prof Aul stated that this innovation also holds\npotential for broader development as a diagnostic platform.<\/p>\n
The antibody-based technology and ELISA method used are flexible,\nallowing adaptation to detect various other diseases by changing the\ntarget antigen, and this innovation is not only relevant in the context\nof congenital hypothyroidism but also as a foundation for developing\nbiomedical diagnostic technology in Indonesia.<\/p>\n
She hopes that with the presence of this device, newborn screening\nprocesses can be carried out more quickly, accurately, and\nefficiently.<\/p>\n
This innovation simultaneously strengthens the position of national\nresearch in producing applicable, competitive health technology that can\nprovide real impact on improving the quality of life for society.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe device has not yet been marketed, but its development has\nalready attracted attention from industry, including PT Bio Farma\n(Persero), for industrial-scale development so that it can be\ncommercialised and used by the public,\u201d she said.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/ub-researchers-develop-early-detection-device-for-hypothyroidism-in-newborns-1775609626", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }