IIT BHU Researchers Develop Low-Cost Diagnostic Tool for Early Detection of CKD

The system also features an accompanying software application that processes results and provides an easy-to-read output, with ‘green’ indicating healthy kidney function and ‘red’ flagging potential CKD.

A team of researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT-BHU), Varanasi, led by Prof Pranjal Chandra from the School of Biochemical Engineering, has developed a pioneering diagnostic tool aimed at addressing the challenges posed by chronic kidney disease (CKD).

This paper microchip device has the potential to revolutionize kidney disease detection, especially in resource-limited settings, providing a faster, simpler, and cost-effective solution compared to traditional methods.

Prof Chandra highlighted the urgent need for early diagnosis of CKD, a disease affecting over 800 million people worldwide—more than 10% of the global population.

The Global Burden of Disease Study has projected CKD to become the fifth leading cause of death by 2040.

Mortality linked to CKD has seen a staggering 42% increase over the past 20 years, with cardiovascular conditions and pregnancy complications further aggravating the disease.

Access to treatment options such as dialysis and kidney transplants remains limited in many low-income regions, adding to the burden of CKD management in developing countries.

The IIT (BHU) team, including PhD student Divya and BTech student Nachiket Mendki, developed a cost-effective paper-based microchip for point-of-care testing of CKD.

Designed to detect two key biomarkers—creatinine and albumin—this device uses advanced nanoengineering techniques to modify ordinary filter paper, transforming it into a diagnostic tool capable of delivering reliable results in under 10 minutes.

The system also features an accompanying software application called CretCheck, which processes results and provides an easy-to-read output, with ‘green’ indicating healthy kidney function and ‘red’ flagging potential CKD.

The diagnostic platform underwent rigorous validation using human serum samples, and results have been published in renowned journals, including ACS Biomaterials Science and Engineering, showcasing its scientific reliability.

Prof Chandra emphasized that the primary goal behind this development is to improve healthcare access, particularly in primary healthcare settings where resources are scarce.

Unlike conventional diagnostic methods that require expensive lab equipment and skilled personnel, this microchip-based tool offers a rapid, affordable alternative, making it especially suitable for use in rural and underserved areas.

By offering on-the-spot results, the device enables timely medical intervention, potentially helping to slow disease progression and improve patient outcomes.

IIT (BHU) director Prof Amit Patra congratulated Prof Chandra and his team for this breakthrough research, which exemplifies the institute's commitment to impactful innovations.

The project also involved DST National Postdoctoral Fellow Indrani Nandi, further reflecting IIT-BHU's robust research ecosystem.

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