Weaving intelligence into cholesterol detection tech

A dual-mode biosensor spun from silk and phosphorene dots offers early, eco- friendly cholesterol detection for personalised healthcare monitoring.

- SHUBHENDU PARTH

A research team at the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST), Guwahati, has developed a novel optical and electrical sensing platform for detecting cholesterol. The platform aims to diagnose several chronic and lifestyle-related diseases early.

The innovation integrates phosphorene quantum dots with silk fibre to create a sensitive and eco-friendly point-of-care (POC) system capable of trace-level detection in real-world biological samples. Currently at laboratory scale, the POC sensing platform, designed for routine monitoring, addresses the increasing need for precise, rapid, and cost-effective methods to detect key biomarkers such as cholesterol

.The sensing device uses a dual-mode system—optical and electrical to detect cholesterol with high selectivity and minimal environmental impact.

Cardiovascular diseases like hypertension, myocardial infarction, and stroke are commonly linked to abnormal cholesterol levels. The sensor can support personalised health monitoring and early intervention by identifying biochemical changes before clinical symptoms emerge.

IN BRIEF

• IASST scientists have developed a sensing platform for detecting cholesterol by integrating phosphorene quantum dots with silk fibre.

• The optical sensor leverages the inner filter effect to detect changes in fluorescence intensity for highly selective, real-time cholesterol sensing.

• The electrical mode uses biodegradable membranes with no e-waste, supporting sustainability goals alongside accurate health diagnostics.

• Validated in human and rat serum and milk, the sensor achieved consistent results, showing readiness for practical, non-clinical deployment.