Guwahati: In a significant leap for public health in India, a team of dedicated researchers at Tezpur University in Assam has unveiled a revolutionary portable device capable of detecting tuberculosis (TB) with a smartphone, all without the need for traditional chemicals or dyes. This pioneering innovation promises to reshape TB diagnostics, especially in the nation’s vast rural landscape.
The brainchild of Professor Pabitra Nath from the Department of Physics, the compact device leverages the inherent autofluorescence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (mTB) cells for precise detection. Adding to its ingenuity, an integrated heating system within the device amplifies the fluorescence signal by elevating the temperature of the bacterial sample. This crucial feature enables the detection of even trace levels of the bacterium, sidestepping the necessity for chemical staining procedures that are often cumbersome and resource-intensive.
Tipping the scales at under 300 grams and priced remarkably at less than ₹25,000, the device is purpose-built for deployment in rural and resource-constrained settings, where access to sophisticated laboratory infrastructure and skilled personnel remains a persistent challenge. “This is a game-changer for TB screening in remote areas,” remarked Prof. Nath, underscoring its potential to democratise TB diagnosis. He further elaborated, “It eliminates the need for expensive LED fluorescence microscopy systems and chemical agents like auramine-O, making advanced diagnostics accessible where it’s needed most.”
This timely breakthrough emerges as India continues its resolute fight against TB, a public health crisis that disproportionately affects vulnerable populations. Despite the commendable efforts of the National TB Elimination Program, early and accessible diagnosis, particularly in far-flung rural regions, has historically posed a significant hurdle. This new device offers a pragmatic solution to bridge this critical gap, promising to expedite diagnosis and treatment, thereby bolstering national elimination efforts.
The multidisciplinary team behind this ground-breaking work includes Biprav Chetry and Chunuranjan Dutta from the Physics Department, alongside JP Saikia and Santanu Goswami from the Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology. Further enhancing the collaborative spirit of the project, Abhijit Gogoi from Labdig Innovations and Systems Pvt. Ltd. also contributed to the development. The team has already initiated the patenting process for their invention, with their significant findings published in the esteemed international journal, Biosensors and Bioelectronics.
Professor Shambhu Nath Singh, Vice-Chancellor of Tezpur University, lauded the innovation, expressing his optimism about its far-reaching impact. “This device has the potential to transform TB detection across India, particularly in underserved communities,” he affirmed, highlighting the university’s commitment to impactful research.
While the World Health Organisation currently advocates LED fluorescence microscopy as the gold standard for TB diagnosis, Prof. Nath pointed out the inherent limitations of this method in the Indian context. Its high cost and dependence on elaborate laboratory infrastructure render it impractical for widespread application in many rural areas—a glaring void that this ingenious new device is poised to fill, offering a beacon of hope in the fight against tuberculosis.
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