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A team of researchers at the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST) in Guwahati has developed an innovative and eco-friendly optical sensing platform that can detect cholesterol levels with high accuracy. This development could play a key role in early detection of life-threatening conditions such as heart disease, hypertension, cancer, and blood clotting disorders.
Cholesterol, while vital to human health, needs to be kept in balance. Produced by the liver, it supports functions such as hormone production, vitamin D synthesis, and cell repair. However, excess levels, particularly of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, can build up in arteries and contribute to several serious diseases. On the other hand, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol helps clear LDL from the bloodstream.
Monitoring cholesterol is essential, as imbalances may point to early stages of illnesses including atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, and venous thrombosis. To support timely detection, the IASST team has created a platform that offers a practical, point-of-care (POC) solution for cholesterol testing.
The new sensor is built using silk fibres enhanced with phosphorene quantum dots. A prototype POC device, created in the lab, is capable of identifying cholesterol even at levels below the standard range, making it suitable for routine health monitoring.
Led by Prof. Neelotpal Sen Sarma (Retd.), Dr. Asis Bala, and Ms. Nasrin Sultana (DST INSPIRE Senior Research Fellow), the project used a cellulose nitrate membrane to support the silk-based sensor. The resulting platform is not only highly sensitive and selective but also does not generate electronic waste.
The team confirmed that the sensor works well with real-world samples including human blood serum, rat blood serum, and milk. These findings have been published in the Nanoscale journal by the Royal Society of Chemistry.
The research represents a step forward in personalised healthcare, offering a more accessible and environmentally responsible method to track cholesterol and potentially prevent major health issues through early detection.
