Raman Research Institute Develops Affordable Device for Early Sickle Cell Disease Screening

The device is based on electro-fluidic principles, a technique that uses electric fields to precisely control fluid movement—enabling advanced, compact lab-on-chip applications.

A research team at Raman Research Institute (RRI), Bengaluru, has developed a low-cost, portable device capable of conducting preliminary screening for Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) by measuring the stiffness of red blood cells. 

The technology was developed under the leadership of Prof Gautam Soni in collaboration with St John’s Medical College Hospital, Bengaluru.

The device is based on electro-fluidic principles, a technique that uses electric fields to precisely control fluid movement—enabling advanced, compact lab-on-chip applications. 

The tool distinguishes between SCD-affected and healthy blood cells by quantifying their stiffness and mechanical response under flow.

Device Tested for Accuracy & Reliability

In laboratory tests, the research team compared blood samples from individuals with SCD to those from healthy donors. 

The methodology included evaluating cell stiffness through free-flight and constricted-flight modes, helping determine both cell volume and deformability.

“This new technology enables high-resolution measurements of red blood cell physiology and stiffness and links them to disease states such as SCD,” said Prof Gautam Soni, the lead investigator from RRI’s Soft Condensed Matter Theme group.

Potential Support for National Health Mission

The innovation comes at a time when India is ramping up efforts to eliminate SCD under the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission, with a target set for 2047. 

According to RRI, current diagnostic methods such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), while accurate, are costly and unsuitable for mass screening, particularly in rural regions.

The RRI device addresses this gap by offering a cost-effective and scalable solution for widespread use, particularly in resource-limited settings.

Beyond SCD, the technology may find future applications in tumor cell detection, veterinary hematological disorders, and enhancing hydrogel materials used in drug delivery. 

The RRI team, including S. Kaushik and A. Mishra, is now seeking further clinical validation and potential partnerships for large-scale deployment.

If successfully adopted, the device could significantly improve early diagnosis and management of SCD across India.

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