Upconversion nanoparticle-based optical biosensor for early diagnosis of stroke

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Stroke is currently diagnosed by physical tests and studying images of brain scans to determine if the stroke has been caused by ischaemia (when a blockage cuts off the blood supply to the brain, e.g., blood clot) or a haemorrhage (blood vessel in the brain ruptures and causes bleeding inside the brain). Brain scans can reliably confirm bleeding, but many patients with suspected ischaemic stroke (up to 40%) are subsequently confirmed to have alternative pathologies e.g., migraine. seizures (stroke mimics) delaying transfer of stroke patients to acute stroke unit for early intervention and treatment. Thus, there is an urgent need for a biomarker for brain attack (stroke) just like there is one for heart attack. The current 'Gold Standard' technique for the detection of protein biomarkers is complex, time-consuming and requires automated equipment. Thus, it is important to develop and validate a rapid diagnostic tool for detection of blood biomarkers for stroke in the ambulance and Emergency Department, where a significant clinical problem lies i.e., the need to make a fastaccurate diagnosis of stroke. A simple and complimentary point of care (POC)biomarker test to differentiate stroke patients from non-stroke patients with similar clinical symptoms is essential in prehospital and emergency settings for efficient stroke management and early treatment. We have now developed a proof of principle biosensing tool for rapid analysis of potential biomarker in human blood serum. The proposed project focuses on the development and validation of a POC tool for early diagnosis of stroke-specific biomarkers to rapidly identify stroke patients. The POC biomarker assessment could be performed during initial triage avoiding delays in transporting stroke patients to appropriate care centres allowing expedited treatment to risk patients for better survival with improved quality of life. The proposed stroke of non stroke patients thus improving stroke patient flow and reducing expenses to the health care organisation.