Could a New Biosensor Platform Revolutionize Preeclampsia Detection in Pregnant Women Within 30 Minutes?
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Synopsis
Discover how Indian researchers have developed a groundbreaking biosensor that can detect preeclampsia in just 30 minutes. This innovative platform promises rapid, affordable, and on-site diagnosis, potentially saving lives and transforming maternal care.
Key Takeaways
- Rapid diagnosis: The P-FAB biosensor can diagnose preeclampsia in just 30 minutes.
- Cost-effective: The technology is designed to be affordable and accessible.
- Application in remote areas: It can be used in settings with limited resources.
- Broad applicability: The biosensor may also detect other diseases.
- Focus on PlGF: It targets the Placental growth factor for diagnosis.
Chennai, April 28 (NationPress) A group of researchers from India has created an innovative biosensor platform capable of testing and diagnosing preeclampsia—a serious condition linked to high blood pressure—among pregnant women in just 30 minutes.
Preeclampsia typically arises after the 20-week mark of pregnancy, impacting 2-8% of pregnancies globally.
While conventional detection methods are often slow and demand extensive infrastructure and trained staff, this new platform enables rapid, on-site, and economical screening at an early stage. Quick intervention is critical to reduce both maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality rates.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) in collaboration with the Vellore Institute of Technology, has resulted in the development of the Plasmonic Fibre Optic Absorbance Biosensor (P-FAB) technology utilizing fibre optic sensor technology.
The research focused on the Placental growth factor (PlGF)—a crucial blood biomarker frequently employed for diagnosing preeclampsia.
“The P-FAB technology successfully detected PlGF at a femtomolar level using polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) based U-bent polymeric optical fiber (POF) sensor probes,” stated Prof. V.V. Raghavendra Sai from the Biosensors Laboratory at the Department of Applied Mechanics and Biomedical Engineering, IIT Madras.
While the ‘PlGF’ biomarker peaks between 28 to 32 weeks during a normal pregnancy, it significantly declines by 2 to 3 times post 28 weeks in women experiencing preeclampsia.
Using the P-FAB strategy, the new POF sensor probes can assess PlGF levels within 30 minutes. Clinical sample testing has validated the accuracy, reliability, specificity, and sensitivity of the P-FAB-based POF sensor platform, thereby establishing a foundation for cost-effective technology in PlGF detection for diagnosing preeclampsia.
“The biosensor platform developed by our team is straightforward and dependable, creating opportunities for affordable diagnosis. This advancement could enhance the accessibility of Placental growth factor (PlGF) biomarker tests, leading to a significant positive impact on managing preeclampsia and reducing the global burden of mortality and morbidity associated with this condition,” Sai added.
The findings of this study, published in the esteemed journal Biosensors and Bioelectronics, indicate that the POF platform may also have applications for identifying other communicable and non-communicable diseases like cancer, tuberculosis, and Alzheimer’s. It avoids the use of harsh chemicals and employs recyclable POF.
This technology is also adaptable for use in remote and resource-limited areas for diagnosing preeclampsia, according to the researchers.
Point of View
This innovative biosensor platform signifies a remarkable leap in maternal healthcare. It showcases India's growing expertise in biomedical engineering while addressing a pressing global health challenge. By prioritizing accessibility and rapid diagnosis, this technology could save countless lives and set a precedent for future advancements in the field.
NationPress
18/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is preeclampsia?
Preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage to other organ systems, typically occurring after 20 weeks of pregnancy.
How does the P-FAB biosensor work?
The P-FAB biosensor utilizes fibre optic sensor technology to detect Placental growth factor (PlGF) levels at extremely low concentrations, allowing for rapid diagnosis of preeclampsia.
Why is early detection of preeclampsia important?
Early detection of preeclampsia is critical to minimize risks to both the mother and the baby, reducing morbidity and mortality rates.
Can this technology be used in remote areas?
Yes, the biosensor platform is designed to be affordable and suitable for use in remote and resource-limited settings.
What other diseases can this biosensor detect?
The POF platform has potential applications for identifying various communicable and non-communicable diseases, including cancer, tuberculosis, and Alzheimer's.
