Colonial Modernities

Phenylalanine Monitoring via Aptamer-Field-Effect Transistor Sensors

“…Phenylketonuria (PKU) is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder involving mutations in the gene that encodes phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH), a liver enzyme that converts the essential amino acid phenylalanine to tyrosine ( Figure 1A). [1][2][3][4][5][6][7] In the United States, PKU occurs in ~1/10,000-15,000 babies yearly. Diagnosis at birth is critical.…”

“…1,3,4,7,8 This 'inborn error of metabolism' leads to hyperphenylalaninemia in the blood and brain. [1][2][3][4][5]7,9 Elevated phenylalanine causes abnormalities in brain development associated with permanent intellectual impairment. Screening newborns for PKU involves laboratory testing by a bacterial inhibition assay, i.e., the Guthrie test, 10 or more recently, tandem mass spectrometry.…”

“…12 Phenylketonuria is primarily managed through strict avoidance of phenylalanine-containing foods. 1,3,4,7,13,14 Early-life dietary management largely prevents the damaging effects of PKU on brain development. [15][16][17] However, even modestly uncontrolled blood phenylalanine levels in children and adults have been correlated with cognitive and psychiatric sequelae.…”