Revolutionary mini sensor detects dangerous stomach bacteria!

Revolutionary mini sensor detects dangerous stomach bacteria!

Researchers at Ulm University have developed a groundbreaking miniaturizable sensor system for mobile analysis of breathing air that could revolutionize the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infections. Helicobacter pylori is a bacterium responsible for a number of serious gastrointestinal diseases, including peptic ulcers, gastritis and stomach cancer. Current detection methods are invasive, expensive and often require tissue samples. Loud uni-ulm.de The new system enables precise detection immediately by using a spectroscopic method from the mid-infrared range (MIR).

The project is led by Professor Boris Mizaikoff, who developed the sensor system together with his team. The innovative sensor uses infrared technology to identify Helicobacter pylori by measuring the absorption of infrared light at different wavelengths. This makes it possible to use labeled carbon (13C) to distinguish bacteria-produced carbon dioxide from that exhaled by humans.

Innovative technology and application

Mid-infrared spectroscopy has the advantage of being cheaper and easier to miniaturize than mass spectrometry. In addition, the reaction space of the gas cell was reduced from ten to just three centimeters without affecting the measurement accuracy. This allows the cost of the smartphone-compatible sensor to be reduced to around 20 euros. This represents a significant advance should the system survive further testing and enter broader medical practice.

Current tests for Helicobacter pylori are mostly invasive and often require endoscopic procedures. The newly developed sensor system could significantly improve diagnostics by enabling rapid and non-invasive analysis that optimizes patient care. It could also offer the opportunity to respond to infections early, which is particularly important since H. pylori is considered a major risk factor for gastritis and stomach cancer.

Background on Helicobacter pylori infections

Helicobacter pylori is a bacterium that is estimated to affect about half of the world's population. Infections are often asymptomatic and can result in various gastritis phenotypes, ranging from mild, asymptomatic forms to severe diseases such as gastritis with a high risk of gastric cancer. These different courses depend on a complex interaction between bacteria, the host immune system and various environmental factors. Loud pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Modern diagnostic procedures recognize both invasive and non-invasive approaches, with BREATH TESTING representing a popular alternative method.

Treatment of H. pylori infections typically involves the combination of antibiotics and antacids, with increasing resistance to various antibiotics posing a challenge. It is becoming increasingly important to regularly check the effectiveness of treatments to avoid serious complications.