Scientists from the University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk University of Technology and the Medical University of Gdańsk have developed a test that allows for quick detection of the DEFB1 gene unique to humans. Such a rapid test may prove useful in diagnostics and forensics when analyzing DNA samples of unknown origin.
The research results of a team of scientists from three Gdańsk universities have been published in the prestigious Sensors & Actuators magazine: B. Chemical. The described method allows for quick detection of the DEFB1 gene, which is present only in human DNA. In the research method, the scientists used not only the ability to modify the electrode surface to determine the beta-defensin 1 (DEFB1) gene in a sample of animal and human saliva, but also an analytical technique not usually used in this type of work, based on the analysis of changes occurring in electrode within monitoring of instantaneous impedance changes of the tested system.
