Hyderabad: A compact, low-cost sensor that can track two key health markers at the same time may offer a simpler way to monitor diabetes and related conditions, researchers at BITS-Pilani Hyderabad campus said.
The device can detect both insulin and dopamine in real time, something that is important for understanding how the body regulates blood sugar. This is not easy to do outside specialised labs, the researchers said. While insulin controls blood sugar levels, dopamine influences how the body produces and responds to insulin, making the two closely linked in Type 2 diabetes.
The study was conducted at the MEMS, Microfluidics and Nanoelectronics Lab at BITS Pilani, Hyderabad campus and has been published in the ‘IEEE Sensors Journal’.
At present, these markers are usually tested separately using expensive equipment. “Most existing methods are accurate, but they are not practical for regular or point-of-care use,” said Dr Ramya K., lead author of the study. “We wanted to create a system that can detect both molecules together without needing complex set-ups.”
Explaining the challenge, she said, “Insulin and dopamine behave very differently in the body. Our goal was to design a surface that can distinguish between the two and still give precise readings on a single platform.”
The sensor uses a carbon-cloth base modified with titanium dioxide nanofibres, which improves sensitivity and signal detection. “By engineering the carbon-cloth with TiO2 nanofibres, we created a surface that can pick up very small signals and still remain stable,” Dr Ramya said.
The team focused on making the device simple to use. “We designed it as a plug-and-play system,” said Yuvraj Maphrio Mao, senior PhD scholar. “The structure is leak-proof, durable and does not require specialised handling, which is important if it has to be used outside laboratories.”
He added, “Our intention was not just to build a sensor, but to make something that can work in real-world settings.”
The device has been tested using blood serum samples and showed consistent performance over repeated use. “It maintained accuracy even in complex biological conditions, which is a key requirement for practical applications,” he said.
Prof. Sanket Goel, who leads the research group, said the work was aimed at improving everyday healthcare. “This sensor represents a move towards real-time monitoring,” he said. “Instead of relying only on occasional lab tests, patients could eventually track their condition more closely and manage it better.”
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