Indian Scientists Unveil Novel Silk-Based Sensor for Highly Sensitive Cholesterol Detection

GUWAHATI, India – April 24, 2025 – A team of researchers at the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST) in Guwahati has successfully developed an innovative optical sensing platform capable of detecting cholesterol with remarkable sensitivity, paving the way for improved early disease diagnosis. The breakthrough, announced earlier this week, utilizes silk fibres enhanced with phosphorene quantum dots.

IASST, an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), revealed that the interdisciplinary team has created a laboratory-scale point-of-care (POC) device based on this technology. According to a statement from the Ministry of Science and Technology, this device can detect even trace amounts of cholesterol, potentially identifying levels below the currently preferred range, making it a powerful tool for routine health monitoring.

The core of the innovation lies in functionalising readily available silk fibre with phosphorene quantum dots. This material was then incorporated into a cellulose nitrate membrane to create an electrical sensing platform. The research was led by retired professor Neelotpal Sen Sarma, associate professor Dr Asis Bala, and DST INSPIRE senior research fellow Nasrin Sultana.

Tests have shown the synthesized sensors to be not only highly sensitive but also highly selective for cholesterol. A significant environmental advantage is that the electrical sensing platform generates no e-waste. Furthermore, the platform has demonstrated effectiveness in real-world applications, showing similar responses when tested with human blood serum, experimental rat blood serum, and milk.

The development holds significant promise for public health. Cholesterol, an essential lipid produced by the liver, plays vital roles in the body but is also linked to serious health conditions when levels are abnormal. Detecting cholesterol imbalances early can help identify the initial symptoms of critical diseases such as atherosclerosis, venous thrombosis, various cardiovascular diseases, heart disease, myocardial infarction (heart attack), hypertension, and even certain types of cancer. Reliable and accessible POC detection of such biomarkers is crucial for effective personalized health management.

The research findings detailing this innovative sensing platform have been published in the prestigious journal “Nanoscale,” released by the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Disclaimer: This news article is based on information provided in a press release issued by the Ministry of Science and Technology, India, regarding research conducted at IASST. The reported device is currently at a laboratory scale, and further development, validation, and regulatory approvals would be necessary before potential clinical or widespread public use.