Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) have developed an innovative and affordable microfluidic device that can rapidly determine whether bacteria are resistant or susceptible to antibiotics. 

Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (AST) is an important method used to identify which antibiotics will work against a specific infection. It helps doctors choose the right treatment and avoid the misuse of antibiotics, which is a major cause of AMR.

Unlike many modern techniques that rely on costly metals, complex fabrication processes, or require highly skilled technicians, this lab-on-chip device, known as ‘ε-µD’, is based on screen-printed carbon electrodes embedded in a simple microfluidic chip.