Research Projects

Sepsis - a life-threatening organ dysfunction triggered by bacterial infection is a global health crisis, which demands innovative diagnostic solutions for early recognition and therapy. However, the diagnosis of sepsis is challenging owing to its nonspecific symptoms and the time-consuming nature of conventional diagnostic tests. Developing a point-of-care (POC) device for sepsis biomarker detection is vital considering the critical need for rapid and accurate diagnosis and the limitations of current methods. Detecting the specific biomarkers and integrating them into user-friendly, rapid POC platforms can help clinicians to make timely, life-saving decisions and reduce the impact of sepsis worldwide. Limitations of the single-biomarker assays include a lack of specificity, as many biomarkers are indicators of general inflammation, and a lack of sensitivity, as some biomarkers may not be present in sufficient quantities to detect sepsis in its initial, most treatable stages. A multi-biomarker assay becomes inevitable for accurate, timely, and comprehensive diagnosis and management of sepsis. This project proposal envisages developing highly sensitive and selective electrochemical biosensors and integrating them into a low-cost, portable device for the rapid, accurate, and onsite detection of multiple biomarkers of sepsis. It will utilize advanced electrochemical methods, with engineered nanomaterials as a highly sensitive sensing platform. Specific biomolecules immobilized on the sensor chip selectively detect sepsis biomarkers, such as Endotoxin (LPS) and Procalcitonin (PCT), using electrochemical methods. A miniature, portable POC device will be designed and fabricated for multiple biomarker monitoring in the blood sample of Septicemia patients. We have completed a project funded by DST-Nanomission in which we developed electrochemical sensors and a prototype of the device; however, the device needs improvement for sensitivity. These results paved the way for this proposal to advance the POC device for a multi-biomarker sepsis assay. Objectives and methodology: The main objective is to develop a highly sensitive and selective electrochemical sensor and POC device for on-site detection of multiple sepsis biomarkers such as endotoxin and PCT, alongside a confirmatory electrochemilumniscence (ECL) sensor. For electrochemical studies, the working electrode will be modified with suitably engineered nanomaterials for biomolecule immobilization. As LPS binds specifically to the aptamers and polymyxin B, either of these molecules will be immobilized on the modified sensor surface. Similarly, the functionalized nanocomposite will be used for the immobilization of Anti-PCT monoclonal antibody for the PCT detection. The sensor will be tested for its efficacy in detecting LPS/PCT. Porous 3D reduced graphene oxide modified Glassy Carbon Electrode, modified interdigitated electrode (IDE), 3D rGO-MXene composite modified GCE are proposed considering the high surface area. The best-performing material from the above will be used to develop sensor chip, using a screen-printed electrode, for integrating with the POC device. A microcontroller-based device will be designed to detect the signals from the sensor chips. By applying varying voltage to the sensor chip, the output current will be detected, and quantify the analyte concentration. The device will feature multiple I/O ports to accommodate various biomarker sensors. Users will be able to select between individual sensor readings or time-scheduled, simultaneous multi-sensor testing. Integrated with an Android device, continuous monitoring and recording of data becomes possible for the medical practitioners. The device can be used for near-bedside use, thereby negating false-positive results and improving patient outcomes. This sensor device offers a crucial step forward in sepsis management by supporting the "golden hour" concept of sepsis care and saving several lives.