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Prayagraj, India — In a significant leap for healthcare technology, researchers at the Indian Institute of Information Technology, Allahabad (IIIT-A) have unveiled a low-cost device capable of separating plasma from blood in just minutes. This innovation is set to dramatically reduce both the time and expense currently associated with blood processing, potentially transforming medical diagnostics and treatment, especially in resource-limited settings.
A Game-Changer for Healthcare and Water Purification
The device, developed under the leadership of Dr. Amit Prabhakar from IIIT-A’s Department of Applied Sciences, utilizes advanced hydrodynamic techniques—a straightforward yet highly effective scientific principle. Unlike conventional machines that can take 10 to 15 minutes to separate plasma from a single unit of blood and cost several lakhs of rupees, IIIT-A’s indigenous device promises to deliver results in minutes at a fraction of the cost.
Remarkably, the same technology can also purify water, efficiently removing bacteria and suspended particles within minutes. The device’s micro-channels allow for high-precision separation of various blood components, including red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), platelets, and plasma, while also producing one drop of purified liquid per second.
Affordable and Accessible
Highlighting the device’s accessibility, Dr. Prabhakar noted that it is expected to be available for just ₹1,000—making it affordable for small clinics and rural health centres. When scaled for water purification, the cost could be as low as ₹50–200 per unit, with a complete multi-device setup estimated at ₹5,200.
Unlike traditional reverse osmosis (RO) systems, the new water purification system does not require replaceable candles or membrane filters. The device can filter particles as small as 2 nanometres and as large as 10 micrometres. An upgrade in 2022 also introduced a feature to detect whether water has been effectively purified, further enhancing its practicality.
Research, Recognition, and Future Prospects
The project, funded by India’s Department of Science and Technology (DST), was granted a 20-year patent and published in the prestigious Royal Society of Chemistry journal in the UK. The research team, including MTech students Ankur Jaiswar, Praveen Kumar, and Amar Dhwaj, has filed five patents, three of which have already been granted.
Dr. Prabhakar emphasized the ongoing efforts to refine the product for greater efficiency, especially in water purification. “We already achieved success in the first phase, particularly in separating bacteria from water,” he shared.
This breakthrough is expected to benefit both urban and rural populations, providing a sustainable and affordable alternative for blood processing and clean drinking water. “With continued support, this could mark a major step forward in India’s push for self-reliance in healthcare and sanitation technologies,” Dr. Prabhakar added.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on information reported by ET HealthWorld and statements from IIIT-Allahabad researchers. The device is currently in the refinement stage and may not yet be commercially available. Clinical and regulatory validations are ongoing. For medical or water purification applications, consult certified professionals and adhere to local guidelines.
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