NIT Calicut Develops Low-Cost Portable Device for Early Sepsis Detection at Point of Care

A team of scientists from the National Institute of Technology, Calicut, has developed a highly sensitive, low-cost, point-of-care (POC) device to enable early detection of sepsis at the patient’s bedside. Led by Dr. N. Sandhyarani, the researchers designed eight sensor platforms—seven using electrochemical detection and one optical—incorporating nanomaterials like gold clusters, CuO, MoS₂, graphene oxide, and carbon nanotubes to enhance sensitivity.

One sensor, detailed in Langmuir, uses functionalized carbon nanotubes and Cu₂O nanoparticles for the selective detection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a sepsis biomarker. It offers accurate detection even in the presence of interfering substances and was tested successfully in insulin, juice, and blood samples with minimal error. Two platforms also detected E. coli in water.

Supported by DST’s Nano Mission, this work has led to multiple journal publications and a granted patent. The team is now refining the device for enhanced sensitivity, targeting real-time bedside diagnosis of sepsis.

24-07-2025