Research Projects

Pre-eclampsia, responsible for more than 60,000 maternal deaths globally each year, is a leading cause of maternal mortality. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that the incidence of pre-eclampsia (PE) is seven times higher in developing countries, affecting 2.8% of live births, compared to just 0.4% in developed countries. This disparity is primarily due to the late presentation of cases and subsequent delays in medical intervention. In a 2006 study conducted in India, the incidence of hypertensive disorders during pregnancy was reported at 5.38%, with pre-eclampsia accounting for 44%. Women with anemia are at an increased risk of developing pre-eclampsia and the study of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) reports that 56% of Indian women aged 15 to 49 are iron-deficiency anemic, the highest rate in the world. Particularly in the northeastern states, Assam (72%) and Tripura (71%) exhibit the highest prevalence (72%). Diagnosis remains challenging due to its diverse symptoms, and there is currently no reliable, affordable test for early detection. In this scenario, the advancement of innovative microfludic based medical diagnostic techniques, particularly their accessibility to all segments of society, has emerged as the most practical solution to address these pressing needs. Blood consists of about 54% plasma, 44% red blood cells (RBCs), and 1% each of white blood cells and platelets. Therefore, RBCs significantly influence blood flow dynamics. Another intriguing aspect is that the negative charge of the glycocalyx of red blood cells allows their biomechanics to be influenced by strong electric fields, resulting in membrane deformation and migration. This could play a crucial role in on-chip disease diagnosis and the detection of abnormalities. Research has shown that pre-eclampsia patients have a reduced negative charge around their RBCs, resulting in lower electric field effect. Using microfluidic experiments and numerical simulations, this project, “VAST” aims to study the impact of negatively charged glycocalyx layers on the dynamics of RBCs in details. This project further aims to develop a “diagnostic map” to correlate red blood cell (RBC) velocity with charge intensity in the context of pre-eclampsia, which will offer a straightforward diagnostic technique that, can predict disease severity through a simple blood test, enhancing accessibility and efficiency in identifying at-risk women. The initiative also aligns with the broader goals of Vikshit Bharat, Atmanirbhar Bharat, Swasth Bharat, and Technological innovation (VAST), aiming to improve maternal health and bolster global health development efforts.