New disease detection technology created

ANN ARBOR, Mich., March 24 (UPI) -- University of Michigan scientists say they are developing a new method of detecting nitric oxide in exhaled breath.

Since an elevated concentration of nitric oxide in one's breath is a sign of many diseases -- including lung cancer and tuberculosis -- the researchers said their new technology could prove useful in diagnosing illness and monitoring the effects of treatment.

Assistant Professor Anne McNeil and graduate student Jing Chen work with molecular gels consisting of small molecules. The gel forms in the presence of nitric oxide and oxygen.

"We took the approach of designing a molecule that has a shape that won't pack together with other identical molecules very well, but will change into a more stackable shape on exposure to nitric oxide," McNeil said. When the molecules stack together, gelation occurs.

"I like the simplicity of not needing an instrument and just being able to flip the sample vial over and see if a gel has formed," McNeil said. Although the technology is not yet sensitive enough to be employed in a clinical setting, the scientists said they are working to improve its sensitivity.

She and Chen are presenting their findings this week in Salt Lake City during the spring meeting of the American Chemical Society.