Background

Summary

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) affects millions annually in the US, with current diagnostic methods such as MRI, CT scans, and neurological examinations like the Glasgow Coma Scale being less accurate, more invasive, and slower than desired. These methods are often inaccessible in environments without proper hospital facilities. The Kwon Lab at UCSD addresses this issue by detecting TBI through nanosensors and biomarkers in urine and blood samples using a lateral flow assay (LFA). This LFA, similar to a rapid COVID test, targets a specific biomarker released by the brain during TBI. When this biomarker contacts the LFA, it binds with a fluorescent molecule for easy identification.

Objectives

Produce an inexpensive, accurate, and portable fluorescent imaging device capable of diagnosing TBI in previously inaccessible areas.

• Improve sensitivity of device increasing limit of detection to 20 nM concentration 

• Streamline process of fluorescent imaging for ease of operation in clinical settings 

• Automate imaging process and post-imaging analysis with ImageJ

• Testing system using fluorescently spiked biological sample