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Tezpur, Assam: In a breakthrough that could transform the fight against Tuberculosis (TB) in resource-limited settings, researchers at Tezpur University have unveiled a cost-effective, portable device capable of detecting TB using a smartphone.
The innovation, spearheaded by Prof. Pabitra Nath from the Department of Physics, eliminates the need for complex laboratory procedures, dyes, or expensive reagents. Instead, the device leverages the principle of autofluorescence—the natural glow emitted by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (mTB) cells when exposed to particular wavelengths of light. By integrating a unique heating mechanism, the system amplifies the fluorescence signal, enabling accurate, stain-free detection of TB even at trace levels.
Unlike conventional LED fluorescence microscopy (LED-FM), which depends on costly machines, chemical stains, and skilled technicians, Tezpur University’s solution is compact, weighing less than 300 grams, and priced under Rs 25,000. This makes it particularly suitable for deployment in rural and underserved regions where laboratory infrastructure is sparse.
Prof. Nath highlighted the technology’s transformative potential, stating, “The device developed by the TU researchers leverages the principle of autofluorescence, a natural property of certain microbial cells, including mTB, that emit a fluorescence signal when excited by a specific wavelength of light. The team’s key innovation lies in the integration of a heating element within the sensor system. By raising the temperature of the bacterial sample, the system enhances the natural fluorescence signal from mTB cells, enabling trace-level detection without the use of stains or dyes.”
The project team includes Biprav Chetry and Chunuranjan Dutta, both research scholars from the Department of Physics; Dr. J. P. Saikia and Santanu Goswami of the Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology; and Abhijit Gogoi from Labdig Innovations and Systems Pvt. Ltd. Their findings have been published in the journal Biosensors and Bioelectronics, with a patent filed under Indian Patent Application No. 202431035472.
Prof. Shambhu Nath Singh, Vice Chancellor of Tezpur University, praised the team’s achievement, calling it “a significant step toward bridging the healthcare gap through indigenous technological solutions” and noted its capacity to make a major impact in combating TB, especially in rural India.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information provided in a press release and related media reports. The device described is currently at the research and patent application stage. Readers should consult healthcare professionals and official sources for medical guidance and confirmation before considering any new diagnostic methods.
