Simple and rapid detection of DNase I for diagnosing myocardial infarction using a microbead dielectrophoresis-based DNA detection approach

Rapid diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is crucial for initiating timely medical treatment in the early stages following symptom onset, thereby improving patient outcomes. This study introduces a novel method for the swift detection of DNase I activity, a recognized biomarker for AMI diagnosis. Employing a microbead dielectrophoresis (DEP)-based DNA detection technique, DNase I activity was quantified through changes in the DEP properties of DNA-labeled microbeads. The measurements were performed using a dielectrophoretic impedance measurement. The proposed method exhibited high sensitivity, detecting DNase I activity as low as 10-4 and 10(-)5 U within reaction times of 10 and 30 min, respectively. Compared to conventional methods such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and single radial enzyme diffusion, this approach is faster and more straightforward. A proof-of-concept demonstration further highlights the potential of this method for rapid and accurate AMI diagnosis.