SAFE-MOM: Early Detection of Pre-eclampsia Using Fiber Optic Biosensors

SAFE-MOM (Screening & Analysis using fiber optic biosensors for early detection of pre-eclampsia in motherhood)

Objective

• To clinically validate and translate a plasmonic fiber optic biosensor (P-FAB) for first-trimester detection of Placental Growth Factor (PlGF) as a screening tool for early prediction of pre-eclampsia.

Description

• Pre-eclampsia is a leading cause of maternal and fetal or newborn deaths. In India, the incidence of pre-eclampsia cases recorded post hospitalization varies from 5% to 15% and incidence of eclampsia is around 1.5%. Currently available diagnostic methods make use of the biomarkers associated with increased risk of PE. Of these said biomarkers, PlGF is a growth factor that supports the development and function of the placenta, which is crucial for a healthy pregnancy. Commercially available tests have significant limitations, such as the requirement of high sample volume. This limitation leads to further increases in cost, complexity, and the requirement of centralized laboratory facilities and skilled technicians to carry out the test. We propose the development of a highly sensitive plasmonic fiber optic absorbance biosensor (P-FAB) for PlGF detection from clinical samples (serum) using our optimized methodology.

Impact

• Clinical validation of P-FAB technology for accurate detection of PlGF in human serum., Development of a handheld, point-of-care device for first-trimester pre-eclampsia screening., Improved early risk identification enabling timely clinical intervention., Readiness for scale-up and deployment.