The autoimmune condition, celiac disease, causes sufferers to react with potentially debilitating effect to eating gluten, a protein found in wheat. A gluten-free diet in genetically susceptible individuals usually ensures a life free of symptoms. Now, researchers in Spain have developed a simple biosensor based on supramolecular chemistry that can detect the antibodies generated by people with celiac disease when they are exposed to gluten. The electrochemical is biosensor based on a cyclodextrin-modified gold surface can detect antigliadin antibodies in blood samples.

The biosensor could have diagnostic applications as well as allowing healthcare workers to ensure patients are complying with a gluten-free diet.

• Detection of Antigliadin Autoantibodies in Celiac Patient Samples Using a Cyclodextrin-Based Supramolecular Biosensor
  M. Ortiz, A. Fragoso, C. K. O’Sullivan,
  Anal. Chem. 2011.
  DOI: 10.1021/ac102956p