Abstract

Microfluidics Devices for Affordable Diagnosis of Tuberculosis and Sickle Cell Anaemia

Debjani Paul, Assistant Professor, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay

Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder that affects the red blood cells. Owing to a genetic mutation, the hemoglobin present in the red blood cells is altered in sickle cell disease. As a result, normally biconcave and deformable RBCs become stiff and sickle-shaped when deprived of oxygen, leading to the blockage of blood vessels. This talk describes a microfluidics and cell phone microscopy-based diagnostic platform to identify individuals with sickle hemoglobin in less than an hour under resource-limited settings. Unlike the screening tests currently available, we can distinguish between disease and trait samples using a shape-based diagnostic protocol. The microfluidic chip obviates the need for sample pre-processing, e.g. making blood smears or staining. Apart from initial diagnosis, our platform can be used to monitor an individual’s response to continued treatment, such as, hydroxyurea therapy.