Research Projects

The need for fast and accurate detection of diseases like Tuberculosis (TB), Chickengunya (CG), Influenza, SARS, Pneumonia, and Pseudomonas is growing globally. India, with over two-thirds of its population affected by TB, faces a significant burden due to its rapid spread. Early detection and strong treatment are crucial to control the number of patients and prevent the spread of MDR and XDR strains. This document proposes a portable handheld device for rapid mass screening, which can be easily handled, reusable, low power, and highly specific. The device will use surface plasmon resonance to detect a shift in resonance on linking mycobacterium tuberculosis genetic material with linked antibody. To reduce the cost of the system, it will be replaced with engineered nucleotides aptamers. The three-year project aims to demonstrate SPR-based sensing on Ag, graphene, and ITO, detect viruses using antibody coupled to these materials, design aptamers, and optimize the system for reducing false negatives. The model will involve reducing the cost at various stages, such as using low-cost substitute materials and reducing antibody costs. High-level integration and easy operation will lead to the creation of a prototype of a low-cost and portable system for mass screening of TB. The main experimental work will involve high-level integration of the detection system for surface plasmic resonance, use of alternate materials like Au for detection, and the use of cheaper alternatives to cross link antibodies/aptamers. This would make the diagnostic system more accessible, portable, reusable, and easy to use, ultimately reducing overall costs and system size.