Technical University of Valencia: New Biosensor for Detecting Active TB

20 April 2026

Technical University of Valencia news release

A research team is leading the development of a sensor that paves the way for the rapid, selective and cost-effective detection of active TB. The device detects the presence of a protein (MPT64) secreted by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It provides results in just 60 minutes – significantly less time than conventional methods, such as microbiological culture, which can take several weeks.

The new system is based on a nanoporous material containing a fluorescent molecule and coated with an antibody specific to the MPT64 protein. When this protein is present, the antibody that blocks the pores of the material shifts, releasing the fluorescent compound. This light signal allows the infection to be detected easily.

Read the full news release here.

Source: Technical University of Valencia