Indian Researchers Develop Low-Cost Biosensor For Early Heart Attack Detection

Researchers have developed a flexible and economical biosensor capable of rapidly detecting myoglobin, a critical cardiac biomarker linked to the early stages of a heart attack. The innovation is expected to significantly improve early diagnosis, particularly in resource-limited healthcare settings, by enabling faster and more accessible cardiac screening.

Indo-Australian Research Collaboration

The biosensor has been developed by doctoral researcher Mohsina Afrooz through a joint programme between Birla Institute of Technology and Science Pilani Hyderabad and RMIT University. The collaborative research brings together expertise in materials science, biosensing, and biomedical engineering, strengthening Indo-Australian cooperation in advanced healthcare technologies.

Graphene-Based Myoglobin Detection

The newly developed sensor is graphene-based and detects myoglobin, a protein released into the bloodstream soon after cardiac muscle injury. Early identification of myoglobin is clinically important, as it allows physicians to diagnose cardiac events much earlier than many conventional diagnostic methods. Rapid detection can be crucial for timely medical intervention and improved patient outcomes.

Affordable And Portable Diagnostic Solution

Unlike traditional laboratory-based cardiac tests that are costly, time-consuming, and infrastructure-dependent, the new biosensor is lightweight, flexible, and low-cost. Its design makes it suitable for portable and point-of-care testing. An Indian patent has been filed for the technology, highlighting its potential for real-world deployment. Lead investigator Sanket Goel noted that the focus is on translating advanced sensing technology into affordable cardiac diagnostics.

Important Facts for Exams

• Myoglobin is an early biomarker released after cardiac muscle injury.
• Graphene is widely used in biosensors due to high conductivity and sensitivity.
• Point-of-care diagnostics reduce dependence on central laboratories.
• Indo-Australian research collaborations support healthcare innovation.

Potential Impact In Rural And Emergency Care

The technology is expected to be particularly useful in rural hospitals, emergency care units, and low-resource health facilities where advanced diagnostic equipment is scarce. According to the researchers, the aim is to make heart attack detection faster, simpler, and scalable. The findings have been published in the international journal “IEEE Sensors Letters”, underscoring the scientific credibility and translational promise of the research.