Using an antibody-based approach, the researchers developed a device to detect the concentration of Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharides in human saliva.
The prevalence of gingivitis continues to be a major public health problem, and barriers such as limited access to health care services and high treatment costs often prevent early diagnosis of the disease. However, researchers from the University of Cincinnati (University of California) have created a new device that allows you to diagnose gingivitis at home. The device offers a quick and inexpensive alternative to traditional diagnostic tools and will help in the timely prevention of risks associated with periodontal diseases, as well as concomitant systemic diseases, thereby improving treatment outcomes.
A home test was developed to detect Porphyromonas gingivalis endotoxin. “It has been quite challenging to get to the point where we can detect this toxin produced by the bacteria responsible for gingivitis,” Dr. Andrew Steckle, distinguished university research professor in the UC College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, said in a press release.
Discussing the benefits of saliva as a biological fluid for topical use, Professor Stekl stated: “It is relatively abundant and easy to obtain using non-invasive methods. Plus, saliva contains many important elements that can serve as indicators of our health.” . However, due to the universality of saliva, it is difficult to isolate from it a specific biomarker of interest for analysis, the professor noted.
To obtain the desired results, the researchers used standard sample preparation strategies, such as filtration of saliva, and to reduce the influence of biomolecules in saliva, pre-treated the saliva sample with potato starch. They then used antibodies that react to endotoxins found in bacteria. According to Professor Stekl, this process required a lot of work and there were some deadlocks. “I tell my students that research is searching, searching and searching again until you find the answer,” he noted.