GUWAHATI: In a groundbreaking development, researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati have created a cost-effective and efficient 3D printed device for the rapid diagnosis of Urinary Tract Infection (UTI). This innovation promises to revolutionise UTI detection, making it faster and more accessible, particularly in rural areas where adequate testing facilities are often lacking.
Traditionally, diagnosing UTI involves a time-consuming process of urine culture that may take several days to yield results. However, with the newly developed 3D printed device, the identification and measurement of bacteria in a UTI suspected patient can be accomplished in a mere 5 minutes, a significant reduction in diagnostic time.
“UTI is a significant global health issue, especially for pregnant women, and early detection is crucial to prevent severe complications like kidney problems. At IIT Guwahati, we have developed a game-changing prototype to address this challenge. Our engineered aptamers act like 3D puzzles, specifically attaching to target bacteria, enabling rapid identification within minutes. This breakthrough solution promises to revolutionise UTI diagnosis, providing timely relief to patients who would otherwise suffer for days in hospitals,” said Partha Sarathi Gooh Pattader, Associate Professor in Chemical Engineering, and Researcher at Center for Nanotechnology and School of Health Science and Technology, IIT Guwahati.
What sets this device apart is its cost-effectiveness and versatility. The researchers have designed a prototype that is both affordable and easily adaptable for identifying various types of bacteria.
The researchers believe that the widespread adoption of this technology can lead to early detection and intervention, preventing the progression of UTIs to more severe complications. The success of the prototype has generated optimism among the scientific community, with many hopeful that it will pave the way for similar cost-effective diagnostic tools for other medical conditions.
The team at IIT Guwahati is currently working on fine-tuning the device and conducting further trials to validate its accuracy and efficiency.
