Research Projects

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) affects millions globally and requires routine monitoring of kidney function. Creatinine (CR) is the primary biomarker used, but conventional methods like the Jaffe reaction demand large sample volumes, lab infrastructure, and are not suitable for frequent point-of-care (PoC) testing. This creates a need for compact, sensitive biosensors capable of detecting CR in small biological samples with ease. As a preliminary step, our group developed CR biosensors using gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), graphene oxide (GO), and nitrogen-doped carbon dots (N-CDs). These nanomaterials were designed in a switch-off/switch-on sensing system with colorimetric, fluorescent, and electrochemical detection. In one approach, CR restored the plasmonic color of metal-ion-treated AuNPs, while in another, a FRET-based mechanism restored N-CD luminescence quenched by AuNPs. These systems enabled sensitive CR detection in microliter volumes of serum and urine, and results aligned well with the Jaffe method. The project further extends to identifying myo-inositol oxygenase (MIO) as an emerging biomarker for CKD. MIO is highly expressed in kidneys and its elevated levels are linked to metabolic dysfunction and CKD progression. Existing methods for MIO detection such as ELISA are costly, require trained personnel, and are unsuitable for PoC diagnostics. Therefore, detecting MIO in small blood volumes using a portable biosensor is both a clinical and technological priority. This research proposes the development of a wearable electrochemical biosensor integrated with microfluidic technology to detect CR and MIO from microliter volumes of whole blood. Advanced nanomaterials, such as MXene and AuNPs, will be used to enhance sensitivity and enable miniaturization. The device aims to provide real-time monitoring of biomarkers in non-lab settings, making it particularly valuable for CKD patients, infants, elderly, or patients requiring frequent testing. Scientific objectives include: Designing dual-mode CR and MIO biosensors using advanced nanomaterials. Integrating detection modes (colorimetric, fluorescent, electrochemical) into one platform. Fabricating a low-volume microfluidic interface suitable for wearable integration. Validating the biosensor performance in synthetic and real samples. The central hypothesis is that nanomaterial-enhanced biosensors can offer sensitive, low-volume, multi-analyte detection suitable for wearable PoC applications. Significance: This project bridges a critical gap in CKD management by enabling real-time, decentralized monitoring. If successful, the device can revolutionize kidney health monitoring, reduce clinical visits, and enhance personalized disease management through accessible, affordable diagnostics.