Wednesday, 5th July 2006 (4288 views)

Gold nanoparticles are integral to a portable tool that has been developed by PointCare Technologies and that could improve HIV/AIDS treatment in developing countries.

The company's PointCARE system (also known as AuRICA) is a portable alternative to large flow cytometry systems. Flow cytometry is crucial for monitoring CD4 positive cell counts as part of antiretroviral HIV therapy.

Monitoring CD4 cells is vital, and without it HIV drugs are useless.

The PointCARE system uses gold-coated microparticles, which bind themselves to lymphocytes and can be differentiated from other types of cells because of the way they scatter light.

This removes the need for light-collection lenses, photomultipliers and interference filters, meaning that the units can be manufactured for less. The PointCARE systems are also durable and suitable for use in hot and humid locations.

Other factors that have contributed to the system's low cost are the elimination of fluorescence and the use of a diode laser.

 

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