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A team of researchers has developed a biosensor platform to screen pregnant women for eclampsia, a serious complication marked by the onset of seizures.
Pre-eclampsia, which can lead to eclampsia if left untreated, is a life-threatening condition that occurs during pregnancy. Eclampsia poses significant risks to both pregnant women and newborns, making rapid, on-site, and affordable screening essential for timely diagnosis and early intervention.
The multi-institutional research, led by IIT Madras, has developed a point-of-care testing using fibre optics sensor technology as a possible alternative to existing technologies. The current methods to detect pre-eclampsia are time-consuming and require a lot of infrastructure and trained personnel, making them inaccessible in remote areas and resource-limited settings. A diagnostic test must be sensitive, specific, and quick.
The research team, comprising V.V. Raghavendra Sai and Ratan Kumar Chaudhary from the Department of Applied Mechanics and Biomedical Engineering; Narayanan Madaboosi from the Department of Biotechnology; Jitendra Satija, Centre for Nanobiotechnology, Vellore Institute of Technology; and Balaji Nandagopal and Ramprasad Srinivasan from Sri Sakthi Amma Institute of Biomedical Research, Sri Narayani Hospital and Research Centre, Vellore, developed the diagnostic test.
The findings of their research were published in the peer-reviewed journal Biosensors and Bioelectronics.
Mr. Raghavendra Sai said, “Placental growth factor (PIGF) is an angiogenic blood biomarker used for pre-eclampsia diagnosis. We have established the plasmonic fibre optic absorbance biosensor (P-FAB) technology to detect PIGF at femtomolar level using polymethyl methacrylate-based u-bent polymeric optical fibre (POF) sensor probes.”
The PIGF biomarker peaks at 28 to 32 weeks in normal pregnancy but in women with pre-eclampsia, it decreases two to three times after 28 weeks of pregnancy. The sensor probe developed by the researchers could measure PIGF within 30 minutes of using the P-FAB-based POF sensor platform. This, the researcher said, paved the way for cost-effective technology for PIGF detection and its potential for pre-eclampsia diagnosis.
Mr. Madaboosi said the technology had systematically traversed the required validation stages, ranging from analytical through bioanalytical to clinical evaluation and advancing the associated technology readiness level. Large-scale patient sample analysis in clinical settings with the validated biosensor, along with robust prototyping, would smoothen the technology transfer and commercialisation in the near and mid-term future.
Mr. Chaudhary said, the technology eliminated the use of harsh chemicals and uses recyclable POF. The dip-type technology requires a sample volume of 30 µL (a droplet) and is environmental and user-friendly.
Detection of other diseases
Mr. Satija said the strategy can be used for on-site detection of other diseases such as cancer, tuberculosis, and Alzheimer’s. The technology provides results within 30 minutes with minimal use of reagents. Research had been conducted for over 15 years, he said, adding that though P-FAB technology is still emerging, it would be as beneficial as glucose sensors soon.
Dr. Ramprasad said classifying the subjects as high-risk and low-risk would enable to determine the treatment. Low dose of aspirin, if given early to the high-risk women, could decrease the incidence of pre-eclampsia. The test also aids in the treatment and improves maternal and neonatal outcomes.
Published – April 29, 2025 12:58 pm IST