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DINE 46 - Use of fluorescent nanoparticle composites
for rapid diagnosis medical kits
PROBLEM
The molecular diagnosis of diseases and genetic traits, as well as the detection of biological
materials, is an emerging field. Curent technologies for this include PCR, DHPLC and
cytogenetic methods, among others. Such techniques, however, have some major
limitations such as:
 Significant rate of false-positive signals (low sensitivity) and/or false-negative results
(low-specificity), which can lead to errors in diagnosis;
 Requires the use of sophisticated equipament and skilled labor;
 High cost and a total time for analysis of the order of (at least) several hours.
SOLUTION
The present invention relates to the sybthesis of fluorescent nanoparticles which have an
affinity for organic molecules such as RNA chains and single or double strands of DNA.
Thanks to their fluorescence in the visible region, such composites can then serve as
markers and probes of molecules consisting of nucleotide chains, allowing its
identification, which is done in a simple and quick manner, without requiring the presence
of metal surfaces. This can be used to produce low-cost kits for rapid diagnosis of diseases
of infectious or genetic origin, which can be used in large-scale on the affected population,
always presenting high sensititvity and high specificity.
By varying the conditions of prepartion, high fluorescence of nanocomposites can be
adjusted to different regions of the visible spectrum, which also allows the use of these
materials as active elements in photovoltaic or electroluminescent devices.
APPLICATION
Low-cost rapid diagnostic test kits for diseases of infectious or genetic origin, which
can be used in large scale at the primary points of health assistance;
 Fluorescent markers of biological molecules, such as proteins or DNA or RNA chains;
 Use as active material in photovoltaic or electroluminescent devices.

INVENTORS
Celso Pinto de Melo
César Augusto Souza Andrade
Clécio Gomes dos Santos
Physics Department – CCEN - Federal University of Pernambuco
PROPESQ
DINE
www.ufpe.br/dine