Scientists have developed DNA-gold nanoparticle based detection kit for the detection of cocaine and other drugs in the saliva, urine or blood.

"Building upon our earlier work with lead (Pb) sensors, we constructed colorimetric sensors that are based on the lateral flow separation of aptamer-linked nanostructures," said Yi Lu, a chemistry professor at the U. of I., and a researcher at the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology.

Preliminary tests demonstrated the aptamer-based dipstick technology in detecting adenosine and cocain in human blood serum. According to the researchers, these detection kits may find applications as a drug test for use in emergency rooms, where convenient and quick diagnotic tests are necessary.

Source: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign