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From a Chemotherapeutic Drug to a High-Performance Nanocatalyst: A Fast Colorimetric Test for Cisplatin Detection at
Valentina Mastronardi1, Mauro Moglianetti1, Edoardo Ragusa2
1Nanobiointeractions & Nanodiagnostics, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Via Morego, 16163 Genova, Italy.
Biosensors
|June 23, 2022
Summary
A new colorimetric assay rapidly detects cisplatin, a chemotherapy drug, using a smartphone. This point-of-care method offers high sensitivity for patient monitoring and healthcare worker safety.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Nanotechnology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Cisplatin is a vital chemotherapy drug, but its therapeutic window is narrow, necessitating precise monitoring.
- Current cisplatin detection methods are often time-consuming and require specialized laboratory equipment.
- Ensuring patient safety and preventing occupational exposure to chemotherapeutics are critical healthcare challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a rapid, sensitive, and specific point-of-care method for detecting cisplatin.
- To create a colorimetric assay utilizing cisplatin's conversion into a nanocatalyst with peroxidase-like activity.
- To explore the integration of this assay with machine learning for quantitative analysis and on-site applicability.
Main Methods:
- Chemotherapeutic cisplatin was converted into a high-performance nanocatalyst.
- A colorimetric detection assay was designed leveraging the nanocatalyst's peroxidase enzyme mimic activity.
- The assay was validated for specificity and sensitivity using naked-eye and smartphone-based readouts.
- Machine learning algorithms were integrated for quantitative measurements.
Main Results:
- A novel point-of-care method for rapid cisplatin detection was successfully developed.
- The assay demonstrated high specificity and sensitivity, achieving parts-per-billion (ppb) detection limits.
- Naked-eye and smartphone-based detection were feasible, outperforming traditional lab techniques.
- Integration with machine learning enabled accurate quantitative analysis.
Conclusions:
- The developed nanocatalyst-enabled colorimetric assay offers a powerful tool for on-site cisplatin monitoring.
- This method facilitates optimal patient treatment by ensuring accurate drug levels.
- It enhances safety for healthcare workers by allowing detection of potential exposure.
- The assay holds significant promise for personalized chemotherapy and occupational health surveillance.

