An immuno-Infrared Sensor detects preclinical Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease by misfolding

The immuno-infrared sensor detects target proteins in solution. Exemplary, the initial misfolding of amyloid beta (Abeta) peptides in blood is measured, enabling early risk prediction of Alzheimer’s disease in the preclinical stage. Antibodies concentrate the target protein on the functionalized attenuated total reflection crystal surface. A quantum cascade laser is used to measure the amide I band, which indicates the secondary structure distribution of Abeta in blood as a biomarker.