Context: 

In a significant advancement in medical diagnostics, an interdisciplinary team of researchers at the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST), Guwahati, has developed a highly sensitive, eco-friendly, and cost-effective optical sensing platform for the detection of cholesterol.

·        The IASST is an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India.

The Need for Early Cholesterol Detection

Cholesterol is a vital lipid produced by the liver and serves as a precursor to essential biological compounds including vitamin D, bile acids, and steroid hormones. It is integral to the proper functioning of animal tissues, blood, and nerve cells. In the bloodstream, cholesterol is transported in two primary forms:

• Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL): Commonly known as 'bad' cholesterol, LDL can accumulate in artery walls, leading to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques and restricting blood flow.
• High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL): Referred to as 'good' cholesterol, HDL helps in the removal of excess cholesterol from the bloodstream.

Maintaining optimal cholesterol levels is critical, as both excess and deficiency can be harmful. Elevated cholesterol levels are known to contribute to life-threatening conditions, while abnormally low levels may also signal underlying disorders. Hence, effective point-of-care (POC) systems for cholesterol detection are crucial for personalized health monitoring and early intervention.

The Optical Sensing Platform:

The newly developed optical sensing platform is based on silk fibre functionalized with phosphorene quantum dots. This platform offers a point-of-care solution, capable of detecting cholesterol at trace levels, even below the standard preferred range, making it a reliable tool for routine monitoring.

·        This innovation holds immense potential for identifying early symptoms of several fatal diseases, such as atherosclerosis, venous thrombosis, cardiovascular disorders, myocardial infarction, hypertension, and even cancer.

In the laboratory setting, the silk fibre was integrated into a cellulose nitrate membrane to construct an electrical sensing platform. This platform not only matches the optical platform in functionality but also offers additional benefits such as:

• High Sensitivity and Selectivity: The sensors demonstrated exceptional accuracy in detecting cholesterol, ensuring dependable results.
• Eco-Friendly Design: Unlike conventional sensors, the electrical platform generates no e-waste, marking a sustainable approach in medical diagnostics.
• Versatile Media Compatibility: The sensors were tested and proven effective in real-world biological samples, including human blood serum, experimental rat blood serum, and milk, highlighting their practical applicability.

Conclusion:

This novel optical and electrical sensing technology for cholesterol detection represents a transformative step in diagnostic science. Its point-of-care functionality, combined with environmental sustainability and high sensitivity, positions it as a promising tool for widespread clinical and personal use.

By enabling early detection of biochemical markers associated with critical diseases, this innovation not only supports proactive health management but also paves the way for future research in biomarker-based disease diagnostics and monitoring.