IIT Madras Develops Breakthrough Low-Cost Technology for Rapid Antibiotic Testing

Researchers at IIT Madras have developed a low-cost, chip-based device that enables rapid testing of antibiotic susceptibility.

IIT Madras Develops Breakthrough Low-Cost Technology for Rapid Antibiotic Testing

IITM: Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras have developed an innovative and affordable microfluidic device that can quickly identify whether bacteria are resistant or susceptible to antibiotics. Unlike many advanced techniques that depend on expensive metals, complex fabrication, or highly trained personnel, this lab-on-chip device, called ‘ε-µD’, uses screen-printed carbon electrodes integrated into a simple microfluidic chip. Its cost-effective design makes it ideal for use in smaller clinics and rural healthcare centres.

Engineered for speed, sensitivity, and simplicity, the ε-µD device offers strong potential for early diagnosis and improved treatment of bacterial infections, especially in areas with limited access to advanced laboratory facilities. Powered by Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy, it can deliver reliable results in under three hours. The device aligns with several key criteria set by the WHO: affordability, speed, ease of use, and reliability. By fulfilling these priorities, ε-µD represents a major step toward making antimicrobial susceptibility testing more accessible, particularly in low-resource settings.

The research has been published in Nature Scientific Reports and was co-authored by Saranya Gopalakrishnan (Director of Technology Innovation, Kaappon Analytics India Pvt Ltd, a startup incubated at IITM Research Park), research scholars Diksha Mall and Saranya Gopalakrishnan from IIT Madras, along with IIT Madras faculty members Prof. Subramaniam Pushpavanam and Dr. Richa Karmakar.

Elaborating on this research, Prof. S Pushpavanam, Y B G Varma Institute Chair Professor, Department of Chemical Engineering, IIT Madras, said, “An important aspect of our device is the use of a specially prepared nutrient solution that serves a dual purpose. It not only supports bacterial growth, which is essential for testing, but also enhances the sensitivity of the electrical signals we use for detection. As the bacteria grow, they cause measurable changes in the electrical properties of the solution, which our system can accurately track.”

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