Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Palakkad have developed fluorescent sensors that can quickly measure the level of heparin in blood.
Heparin is an anticoagulant used in procedures such as cardiac surgery, dialysis and blood transfusions. The research team, led by Shanmugaraju Sankarasekaran and research scholar Noushija M.K., developed fluorescent chemosensors to detect heparin levels. The new method uses fluorescence instead of the clotting-time measurements used in existing monitoring methods. The sensor molecules can be produced in a single step, which could reduce production costs and simplify the process. The researchers also found that the sensors can selectively detect heparin in complex samples such as human serum.
Because too little heparin can lead to clotting, while too much can cause excessive bleeding, accurate dosing is important.
The technology could be developed into point-of-care diagnostic devices for monitoring patients receiving anticoagulant treatment. Further development and testing will be needed before it can be used in clinical settings.
