DNA biosensor - How can DNA detect substances

14.02.2025

DNA is not just the blueprint for living organisms; it can also function as a powerful biosensor. In medicine, DNA-based biosensors help detect viruses and diseases quickly, making diagnoses faster and more accurate. In environmental science, they measure the presence of hazardous substances such as heavy metals in water.

This works by designing a specific DNA sequence to bind precisely to the target substance. Once the DNA successfully attaches to the substance it is searching for, the biosensor emits a detectable signal, indicating the presence of the target compound. This groundbreaking application of DNA is revolutionizing both medical diagnostics and environmental monitoring.