TECH TALK /TRIGLYCERIDES DETECTOR
In a groundbreaking development, researchers at the MEMS, Microfluidics, and Nanoelectronics (MMNE) Lab at BITS Pilani, Hyderabad campus, have introduced an innovative electrochemical biosensor designed to rapidly and cost-effectively detect triglycerides (TGs). TGs are a critical marker for assessing the risk of heart disease, and this new device promises to transform how we monitor and manage heart health.
POINT-OF-CARE DIAGNOSTICS
The primary aim of this biosensor is to revolutionise point-of-care diagnostics, offering a faster, more accessible method for testing triglyceride levels. Elevated TG levels are closely linked to an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and atherosclerosis, making their detection crucial in heart disease risk assessments. This new device will provide a more practical and timely approach to monitoring TG levels, particularly in real-world healthcare settings.
AFFORDABLE ADVANCED TECH
The biosensor is powered by screen-printed carbon electrodes made from overhead projector sheets, a material that is both commercially available and cost-effective. This makes the device affordable, ensuring it can be widely accessible for regular health monitoring. To further enhance the sensitivity of the biosensor, gold-cerium oxide nanoparticles are incorporated, speeding up enzymatic reactions that are critical for accurate detection.
A key advantage of this innovation is its use of lipase, a digestive enzyme that breaks down fats, which is immobilised on the electrodes. The enzyme accelerates reactions with triglycerides, producing an electrical current directly proportional to their concentration. This process allows for real-time testing without the need for sample pre-treatment, making the device highly user-friendly and efficient.
When compared to commercially available tests that can cost anywhere from Rs 300 to Rs 500, the new device offers a much more affordable option with each test electrode priced at just Rs 10. This price point makes it an attractive option for widespread use, particularly in under-resourced areas where healthcare services may be limited.
REAL-TIME MONITORING
The biosensor’s portable read-out device, called a ‘potentiostat’, enhances its practicality. It allows for real-time monitoring of triglyceride levels, providing instant results that can be used for immediate decision-making.
The development of this biosensor is not just about detecting triglyceride levels; it is also about paving the way for multiplexed biomarker detection. The team is actively expanding the biosensor’s capabilities to detect multiple biomarkers simultaneously, which could broaden its applications in healthcare beyond triglycerides.
With its advanced materials and portable design, the biosensor is poised to become a game-changer in point-of-care diagnostics, making it easier to manage and prevent heart disease at the community level.
FROM LAB TO MARKET
The team at BITS Pilani is not only focused on the research and development phase but is also working toward bringing this technology to market. They are in the process of developing a turnkey prototype and plan to commercialise the device through their start-up, Pyrome Innovation.
The promising technology will be presented at the 2025 IEEE Applied Sensing Conference in Hyderabad, scheduled for January 2025. The project has also received support from the Semiconductor Research Corporation, USA, underscoring its potential to make a significant impact on the global healthcare landscape.
TOWARD PREVENTIVE HEALTHCARE
This breakthrough in triglyceride detection represents a significant leap forward in the fight against heart disease, offering a low-cost, easy-to-use tool for monitoring heart health. With the increasing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases, innovations like this are crucial in empowering individuals and healthcare providers to make informed decisions about prevention and treatment.
As heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death globally, technologies that offer quick, accurate, and affordable testing will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of healthcare, especially in regions with limited access to specialised medical care.
Image courtesy: Blausen.com staff (2014). “Medical gallery of Blausen Medical 2014”. WikiJournal of Medicine 1 (2). CC BY 3.0