Early Detection Techniques for Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis (OP) is a serious disease and its early diagnosis is very important at the right time. These days, there are some conventional techniques of the diagnosis of this disease but these techniques have their limitations and reliable information is not obtained at the initial stage of the disease. Therefore, a new technique for the detection of OP at an early stage is required to be developed. In the present chapter, a new technique, based on Micro Electro Mechanical System (MEMS) technology, will be discussed to overcome the limitations of earlier techniques. In the present chapter, main emphasis is placed on the early detection of OP. New types of OP detection techniques, based on the biomechanical, optical and electrochemical principles, will be explained and compared to achieve an improved detection methodology for OP. A new amperometric immunosensor using gold nanoparticles and a novel microfluidics BioMEMS chip as a point of care testing (POCT) technique will be introduced for design, fabrication and characterization. The chapter covers the study which has been mainly divided into three parts: basic measurements on physical, biomechanical, optical and chemical properties of normal and OP bones and serum; and design and development of amperometric immunosensor and BioMEMS chip. (Ahn C.H et al., 2004, Arnaud C.D at al., 1996 Atkinson, P.J. 1964, Auroux, P.A et al., 2002, Bakker, E., 2006, Berthonnaud L, F., 2002, Bianchi, 2005, Ban C, 2004, Bal S.K, 2002) An overview of OP research trends with the objectives of the research, and scope and significance of the study, is also presented. Causes and diagnostic techniques for OP will be reviewed in the beginning of the chapter.