UB Researchers Develop Early Detection Device for Hypothyroidism in Newborns
Malang (ANTARA) - A team of researchers from Universitas Brawijaya (UB), led by Prof Dr Aulanni’am, has developed an early detection device for hypothyroidism in newborns using the Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method.
This innovation is designed as a diagnostic system capable of improving accuracy, sensitivity, and efficiency in detecting thyroid hormone disorders in infants from an early stage, which has long been a challenge in the medical field due to the minimal visible early symptoms.
“Technically, this device works by utilising polyclonal antibodies produced through the induction of recombinant human Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (hTSH) protein. The recombinant protein serves as a specifically designed antigen to stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies with high affinity for thyroid hormone biomarkers,” said Prof Aulanni’am in Malang, East Java, on Tuesday.
This process, she said, forms the core of the innovation, as the quality of the antibodies produced greatly determines detection accuracy. The resulting polyclonal antibodies can recognise various epitopes from a single antigen, thereby increasing the chances of interaction with the target biomarker in biological samples.
In its operation, Prof Aul explained, the device is integrated with the ELISA method, an analysis technique based on antigen-antibody reactions equipped with an enzymatic system as an indicator.
“Congenital hypothyroidism is an endocrine disorder that must be detected as early as possible, as it has a significant impact on child growth and development. Through this innovation, we aim to provide a more precise detection method to support newborn health screening programmes in Indonesia,” said Prof Aul.
According to her, the advantage of this device lies in its high sensitivity level, enabling the detection of hormone levels in very low concentrations, even before clinical symptoms appear.
Additionally, its specificity is also enhanced due to the use of antibodies specifically designed against certain target biomarkers. This makes the device superior to conventional methods, which tend to have limitations in detecting early-stage cases.
From the innovation design perspective, she continued, the device has been developed as a practical diagnostic kit prototype with potential for mass production. The use of domestically researched materials, particularly in the development of recombinant proteins and antibodies, adds value in terms of production cost efficiency.
Furthermore, Prof Aul stated that this innovation also holds potential for broader development as a diagnostic platform.
The antibody-based technology and ELISA method used are flexible, allowing adaptation to detect various other diseases by changing the target antigen, and this innovation is not only relevant in the context of congenital hypothyroidism but also as a foundation for developing biomedical diagnostic technology in Indonesia.
She hopes that with the presence of this device, newborn screening processes can be carried out more quickly, accurately, and efficiently.
This innovation simultaneously strengthens the position of national research in producing applicable, competitive health technology that can provide real impact on improving the quality of life for society.
“The device has not yet been marketed, but its development has already attracted attention from industry, including PT Bio Farma (Persero), for industrial-scale development so that it can be commercialised and used by the public,” she said.