Scientists at Raman Research Institute (RRI) have developed an affordable electro-fluidic device that aids in preliminary screening of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD).
According to RRI, the modern, cost-effective electro-fluidic micropore device, quantifies whole-cell stiffness with high-resolution and high-throughput, with particular concentrate on screening for SCD.
“This technology has the potential to change preliminary diagnostic methods for blood disorders,” RRI stated.
Gautam Soni, S. Kaushik, and A. Mishra from the Soft Condensed Matter Theme at RRI, Bengaluru developed this device and R. Ross, S. Srivastava, and C. R. Ross from St. Johns Medical College Hospital, Bengaluru helped with testing the device on real-world samples by evaluating blood cells from SCD sufferers to that of wholesome donors.
High decision measurement
“This new technology makes high-resolution measurement on changes in RBC physiology and cell stiffness and connects it to the underlying disease-state” stated Gautam Soni, Lead Investigator.
RRI stated that the researchers have been capable of create a system that successfully differentiates SCD and wholesome donor RBCs, on account of variations of their inherent stiffness with excessive precision.
“They studied the samples in free-flight and constricted-flight modes to measure cell volume and stiffness, respectively. They used Latrunculin A (an actin inhibitor, that reduces cell stiffness) treated RBCs, to first quantify the correlation between flight time in the micropore and cellular stiffness,” RRI stated.
Using the above methodology, they confirmed that their device permits for the fast different detection of mechanical abnormalities in RBCs and therefore, can act as a preliminary screening device for a number of blood circumstances.
“The portability and cost-efficiency of the device would make it an attractive option for mass-screening leading to early detection of SCD in both rural and urban areas of the country,” RRI stated.
Cell stiffness
It additional stated entire cell stiffness, being a ubiquitous parameter for cell’s well being, could also be utilized past SCD screening, comparable to, in areas of tumor cell detection and veterinary blood issues.
“The device principle has possible non-medical applications as well, for example, in improving the hydrogel materials used in drug delivery systems,” RRI stated.
Published – April 09, 2025 02:01 am IST
