Tezpur University Scientists Create Smartphone-Based Portable Device for Rapid TB Detection

In a significant leap forward for public health diagnostics, researchers at Tezpur University, Assam, have developed an innovative, portable, and cost-effective device capable of detecting tuberculosis (TB) using a smartphone. Notably, the device does not require any chemicals or dyes, marking a major advancement in TB screening, particularly for underserved and remote regions.

The development is led by Professor Pabitra Nath from the Department of Physics. The key to the device's functionality lies in its ability to harness the natural autofluorescence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (mTB) cells for detection. This eliminates the need for chemical staining agents traditionally used in diagnostic methods, such as auramine-O. Additionally, the device incorporates a built-in heating system that increases the temperature of the bacterial sample. This thermal mechanism enhances the autofluorescence signal, allowing the detection of even minute quantities of TB bacteria without additional reagents.

Weighing less than 300 grams and priced at under ₹25,000, the device has been specifically designed for use in rural and low-resource settings, where access to laboratories and trained personnel is limited. According to Prof. Nath, “This is a game-changer for TB screening in remote areas.” He emphasized how the innovation removes dependence on expensive fluorescence microscopy systems, such as those using LED-based setups, making TB diagnostics more accessible and scalable.

India continues to battle TB as a significant public health challenge. Although the government has launched the National TB Elimination Program, early detection remains a barrier to successful treatment and control, especially in rural areas. The introduction of such a portable diagnostic device could accelerate the process of early detection and treatment, ultimately supporting India’s broader health goals.

The project was a multidisciplinary effort, comprising team members from both the Physics and Molecular Biology & Biotechnology departments of Tezpur University. The research team included Biprav Chetry and Chunuranjan Dutta from Physics; JP Saikia and Santanu Goswami from Molecular Biology and Biotechnology; and Abhijit Gogoi from Labdig Innovations and Systems Pvt. Ltd., a private technology firm collaborating on the project.

The researchers have already filed for a patent, and their breakthrough findings have been published in the reputed international journal Biosensors and Bioelectronics. This validates the credibility and scientific merit of the innovation on a global platform.

Tezpur University Vice-Chancellor, Shambhu Nath Singh, praised the team’s efforts and underscored the transformative potential of the invention. He remarked, “This device has the potential to transform TB detection across India, particularly in underserved communities.”

Currently, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends LED fluorescence microscopy as the standard for TB diagnosis. However, this method is costly and requires established lab infrastructure, making it inaccessible in many rural parts of India. Professor Nath’s team aims to fill this diagnostic gap by offering a more affordable, portable, and user-friendly alternative.

In summary, this breakthrough has the potential to reshape TB detection across India, offering a practical and scalable solution for early diagnosis in remote and low-resource settings—ultimately contributing to the nation’s goal of eradicating TB.