Chennai: Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras have developed a low-cost, chip-based device capable of detecting bacterial resistance to antibiotics within three hours, a breakthrough that could significantly aid in combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Named 'ε-µD', the microfluidic device uses electrochemical signals to identify whether bacteria are susceptible or resistant to antibiotics, offering a faster and simpler alternative to conventional antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST), which typically takes 48 to 72 hours. The research has been published in Nature Scientific Reports, a peer-reviewed journal from Nature Portfolio.

Unlike existing methods that require costly materials and complex procedures, ε-µD relies on screen-printed carbon electrodes embedded in a simple chip, making it affordable and suitable for deployment in rural healthcare facilities and small clinics.

“An important aspect of our device is the use of a specially prepared nutrient solution that supports bacterial growth while enhancing the sensitivity of electrical signals,” said Prof. S Pushpavanam, Department of Chemical Engineering, IIT Madras.

The device monitors changes in electrical properties as bacteria grow in the presence of antibiotics. If growth continues, the bacteria are resistant; if not, the antibiotic is effective. Tested on E. coli and B. subtilis using ampicillin and tetracycline, the device successfully delivered results in three hours.

The IIT Madras team is currently conducting clinical validation in collaboration with IITM Institute Hospital and plans to commercialise the technology through its startup, Kaappon Analytics India Pvt Ltd.