Nanotech might be used to detect anthrax

WASHINGTON, March 17 (UPI) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration says a proof-of-concept study shows nanotechnology might be able to detect anthrax after a bioterrorism attack.

"The FDA findings could form the basis of a test that allows earlier diagnosis of anthrax infection than currently possible," said Indira Hewlett, the senior author of the FDA study. "The earlier those infected with anthrax can be treated, the better."

A proof-of-concept study is an initial investigation that aims to determine if a new scientific idea or concept holds promise for further development.

The federal agency said the method used in its study relies on a nanotechnology-based test platform built from tiny molecular-sized particles.

The assay -- the Europium Nanoparticle-based Immunoassay -- was able to detect the presence of a protein made by the anthrax bacteria known as protective antigen, the FDA said. "Protective antigen combines with another protein called lethal factor to form anthrax lethal factor toxin, the protein that enters cells and causes toxic effects."

The researchers showed ENIA is capable of detecting protective antigen in quantities that are 100 times lower than current tests can detect.

The study that included Jiangqin Zhao, Mahtab Moayeri, Zhaochun Chen, Haijing Hu, Robert Purcell, Stephen Leppla and Harri Harma appears in the journal of Clinical and Vaccine Immunology.