In a major medical breakthrough, scientists at Osmania University have developed a nano-based sensor that can detect life-threatening infections such as sepsis in under 30 minutes — a game-changer in the fight against rapid-onset diseases.
The innovative diagnostic tool, built using gold nanoparticles, works by detecting specific proteins associated with sepsis. Unlike traditional methods, which can take up to 48 hours for lab results, this sensor provides accurate detection in about half an hour — and at a cost of just ₹500 per test. Researchers report a detection accuracy of up to 90%.
“This technology could drastically improve survival rates by allowing doctors to start targeted treatment almost immediately,” said lead researcher Dr. M. Suresh from Osmania University’s Department of Chemistry. Sepsis is one of the leading causes of hospital deaths worldwide, often progressing rapidly and becoming fatal without early diagnosis. The new nano-sensor can be particularly beneficial in emergency settings, rural clinics, and resource-constrained hospitals where quick laboratory access is limited.
The research, currently in the prototype stage, has already drawn attention from medical technology firms looking to scale up for clinical trials and eventual commercialization. In parallel, researchers at BITS Pilani Hyderabad have also developed a rapid diagnostic tool that can detect bacterial infections such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa in just 15 minutes using advanced DNA amplification techniques. Experts say such nano-enabled technologies could revolutionize infectious disease diagnostics, offering scalable, low-cost, and fast alternatives to conventional lab testing.