IASST PIONEERS OPTICAL SENSING PLATFORM FOR EARLY CHOLESTEROL DETECTION

In a groundbreaking advancement for preventive healthcare, researchers at the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST) in Guwahati, India, have developed an innovative optical sensing platform designed for early cholesterol detection.

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This eco-friendly, highly sensitive device offers a promising solution for noninvasive monitoring of cholesterol levels, potentially revolutionizing how we diagnose and manage conditions linked to cholesterol imbalances, such as cardiovascular diseases, atherosclerosis, and certain cancers.

A Leap in Cholesterol Detection Technology

Cholesterol, a crucial lipid produced by the liver, plays an essential role in the body, contributing to the production of vitamin D, bile acids, and steroid hormones. However, imbalances—particularly elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad" cholesterol)—can lead to severe health issues, including hypertension, myocardial infarction, venous thrombosis, and even cancer. Early detection of abnormal cholesterol levels is critical for timely intervention and effective disease management. The IASST research team, led by retired professor Neelotpal Sen Sarma, Associate Professor Dr. Asis Bala, and DST INSPIRE Senior Research Fellow Nasrin Sultana, has developed a point-of-care (POC) device that can detect cholesterol at trace levels, even below the typical reference range. The platform utilizes silk fibre functionalized with phosphorene quantum dots, integrated into a cellulose nitrate membrane, to achieve exceptional sensitivity and selectivity. This allows the sensor to accurately identify cholesterol in complex real-world samples, including human blood serum, rat blood serum, and milk, making it a versatile tool for clinical diagnostics.