Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine: Chengdu University’s rGO-Based LSPR Optical Biosensor Objectively Evaluates Acupuncture Effects

July 5, 2026

MDPI Switzerland

Overview

This review explores the application of optoelectronic and photonic technologies in modernizing Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), addressing the lack of objective diagnostic criteria. It highlights a Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance (LSPR) optical biosensor based on reduced graphene oxide (rGO), developed by Zhou et al. at Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. This biosensor successfully evaluates acupuncture effects by covalently bonding anti-inflammatory factor antibodies to the graphene surface, marking a breakthrough in strengthening the scientific basis of TCM diagnostics.

In Depth

Key Findings

The application of optoelectronic and photonic technologies, particularly biosensors, is gaining attention for the modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). This review emphasizes that a Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance (LSPR) optical biosensor based on reduced graphene oxide (rGO), developed by Zhou et al. at Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, has successfully evaluated acupuncture effects objectively, making a groundbreaking contribution to enhancing diagnostic objectivity in TCM.

Technical/Clinical Details

This LSPR optical biosensor is built upon the excellent electrical and optical properties of rGO. With its high conductivity and large surface area, rGO serves as an ideal platform for biomolecule immobilization. The research team covalently bonded specific antibodies against anti-inflammatory factors to this graphene surface. After acupuncture treatment, changes in the concentration of anti-inflammatory factors (e.g., specific cytokines or peptides) in the patient’s body fluids lead to an antigen-antibody reaction on the sensor surface, which in turn causes a change in the LSPR signal. By optically detecting this signal change, the impact of acupuncture on inflammatory mediators in the body can be quantitatively assessed. This biosensor is revolutionary in that it objectively measures treatment efficacy based on clear physical signals, in contrast to traditional TCM diagnostics that relied on empirical and subjective elements. This is expected to clarify the mechanisms of acupuncture and establish its scientific basis.

Background & Context

Despite its long history and clinical efficacy, Traditional Chinese Medicine has faced challenges in integrating with modern medicine due to a lack of objective diagnostic criteria and methods for evaluating treatment effectiveness. To bridge this gap, the introduction of modern scientific technologies like optoelectronics and photonics is recognized as essential. Biosensor technology provides a powerful tool for standardizing TCM diagnostic processes and scientifically validating treatment effects.

Strategic Significance & Outlook

The development of the rGO-based LSPR optical biosensor represents a significant milestone in the modernization of TCM. In the future, this technology is expected to be applied to evaluate more TCM treatments and herbal medicines, enabling multiplex detection of diverse biomarkers. Furthermore, through miniaturization and integration with AI, real-time diagnostics in clinical settings and the optimization of personalized TCM treatments will advance. This is anticipated to enhance the global recognition and acceptance of TCM and accelerate its integration with modern healthcare systems.

Source: https://www.mdpi.com/2304-6732/13/7/628

Get our weekly technology intelligence — free

Receive an infographic that lets you judge at a glance whether each field’s analysis report is worth reading.

Subscribe Free — Weekly Tech Intelligence

By subscribing, you’ll receive Troy-Technical’s weekly technology intelligence newsletter.