In a breakthrough for medical technology and defence health systems, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Miranda House College of Delhi University have jointly developed a Made‑in‑India biological chip called BioFET that can detect early signs of a potential heart attack. The innovation, currently in prototype form, is designed to analyse key cardiac biomarkers from a small blood sample to give timely alerts, a development experts say could save lives, especially in extreme field conditions.
What BioFET Does
The BioFET chip works as a portable point‑of‑care sensor, capable of measuring three cardiac biomolecules simultaneously from a blood sample. If the levels of these molecules exceed safe thresholds, the device can flag an elevated risk of cardiac arrest, prompting medical intervention. Professor Monika Tomar, who led the research team at Miranda House, explains that this rapid analysis is critical in circumstances where laboratory infrastructure isn’t readily available.
Unlike conventional tests that require extensive lab equipment and time, BioFET’s blood‑serum analysis works much like a glucometer: a few drops of serum are applied to the chip, and results appear on a simple display comparing biomarker levels against calibrated safety limits. This simplicity and portability make BioFET well‑suited for deployment in remote or high‑stress environments.
Why It Matters for Soldiers and Beyond
Experts involved in the project emphasise that armed forces personnel, particularly those stationed in sub‑zero or high‑altitude areas such as the Himalayas, face heightened risk factors for cardiac events. Extreme cold can increase blood viscosity, raising the likelihood of clot formation and sudden cardiac complications. Early detection via BioFET could enable prompt evacuation to medical facilities, potentially saving lives.
In addition to frontline defence applications, the development of this biochip marks a significant step toward indigenous medical technology that could eventually benefit civilian healthcare as well. With field trials now underway under DRDO supervision, the chip could see wider usage if it proves reliable in real‑world conditions.
Collaborative Innovation and Future Prospects
The BioFET project took nearly five years to develop, combining steady academic research with practical integration by DRDO scientists. The in‑house fabrication efforts also helped reduce production costs by nearly 50–60%, cutting reliance on expensive imported equipment.
If successful in military field trials, BioFET could emerge as a game‑changer in early cardiac risk detection, offering real‑time health insights in both defence and civilian healthcare ecosystems. The chip underscores how defence research partnerships with academic institutions like Miranda House can yield innovations with broad societal impact.
