Nano-Sensor Device For Infection Detection

 Nano-Sensor Device For Infection Detection : Recently, researchers at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Calicut have developed a portable and cost-effective nano-sensor device that can rapidly detect life-threatening infections like sepsis within minutes at the patient’s bedside.

• About Nano-Sensor Device : 8 sensor models developed, 7 using electrochemical detection and 1 using optical detection;

o Use of Functionalized Nanomaterials: Gold atomic clusters or nanoparticles, CuO & Cu nanoclusters Molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂), Reduced graphene oxide and Carbon nanotubes (CNTs).

o Detection Mechanism: Selective detection of Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) using: LPS-binding aptamers or Polymyxin B.

o Successfully detected endotoxin in: Whole blood, Pharmaceutical samples (e.g., Biphasic isophane insulin) & Fruit juices (e.g., grape juice)

ü Endotoxin recovery showed <2% error.

o Two electrochemical platforms also enabled detection of Gram-negative bacteria (E. coli) in water samples.

o Core of a portable diagnostic device for rapid endotoxin detection.

• Key Features : User-Friendly Interface: Operates via an Android smartphone.

o Quick Results: Detects infections in blood serum or juice samples within 10 minutes.

o High Accuracy: Less than 2% error margin across varied samples (including insulin and fruit juices).

o Strong Selectivity: Employs aptamers or polymyxin B for specific binding to endotoxins.

• About Sepsis: A critical and potentially fatal condition caused by infections, particularly those from Gram-negative bacteria.

o High Risk: If left undiagnosed or untreated, sepsis can rapidly lead to multiple organ failure, septic shock, and even death.

o Urgency in Detection: Early identification of these biomarkers is essential for initiating timely treatment and significantly improving patient survival rates.