Research Projects

Rationale Tuberculosis (TB) remains a global health challenge, with millions affected annually and a persistent need for rapid, sensitive, and accessible diagnostic tools. Traditional TB diagnostics (smear microscopy, culture, and qPCR) have limitations like slow turnaround, moderate sensitivity, and challenges in detecting low bacterial loads or drug-resistant strains. Droplet PCR on a microfluidic chip offers a next-generation solution, combining absolute quantification, high sensitivity, and the potential for rapid, point-of-care testing. Integrating PCR with an acoustically boosted chip-based, droplet-partitioned format enables miniaturization, better sensitiveness along with other advantages like reduced contamination risk, ease of fabrication to achieve stirring inside droplets compared to complex geometries etc. Hypothesis • Integrating acoustic waves to enhance heat and mass transfer inside each droplet with the on-chip PCR will enable faster, more sensitive, and quantitative detection of M. tuberculosis (Mtb) DNA from clinical samples compared to conventional PCR methods. • The microfluidic droplet format with acoustic perturbations will enhance reaction efficiency and reliability, even in samples with low bacterial load or PCR inhibitors. • This approach will facilitate detection of drug-resistant TB strains through multiplexed assays on a single chip. Significance of the Research Early and Accurate Diagnosis: The platform aims to detect TB at earlier stages which are often missed by standard tests by using acoustic perturbations as a means to enhance reaction sensitivity. Absolute Quantification: Provides precise measurement of bacterial DNA, supporting better monitoring of treatment response and disease progression. Reduced Time-to-Result: The miniaturized, automated workflow can deliver results in hours instead of days or weeks, accelerating clinical decision-making. Potential additions: Other species: The use of nano liter droplet reaction vessels with acoustic stirring can be used for other pathogens. Detection of Drug Resistance: Enables rapid genotyping of resistance markers, crucial for effective TB treatment and control of multidrug-resistant TB. Portability and Accessibility: On-chip integration paves the way for portable, user-friendly devices suitable for use in resource-limited settings, where TB burden is highest. Commercialization: The technology supports the development of cost-effective, scalable diagnostic devices, increasing access to advanced TB diagnostics globally. In summary: On-chip acoustic droplet PCR for Mtb leverages microfluidic innovation to deliver rapid, sensitive, and quantitative TB detection, addressing urgent needs in global TB control and patient care.