Nanobio Technology & Point-of-Care Devices Course | IIT Kharagpur
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 27 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Elective |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 8 weeks |
| Categories | Multidisciplinary |
| Credit Points | 2 |
| Level | Undergraduate/Postgraduate |
| Start Date | 19 Jan 2026 |
| End Date | 13 Mar 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 02 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 16 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 28 Mar 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Revolutionizing Healthcare: An In-Depth Look at Nanobio Technology for Point-of-Care Devices
The future of medical diagnostics is portable, rapid, and incredibly precise. At the forefront of this revolution is the convergence of nanotechnology and biology, enabling the development of sophisticated Point-of-Care (POC) devices. These devices promise to move critical diagnostic testing from centralized laboratories directly to the patient's bedside, a doctor's clinic, or even into the home, enabling faster treatment decisions and improved health outcomes.
This detailed exploration is based on a comprehensive 8-week course offered by the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, designed and instructed by a leading expert in the field. We will delve into the science, technology, and commercial landscape of these transformative devices.
Meet the Instructor: Prof. Gorachand Dutta
The course is led by Prof. Gorachand Dutta, PhD, an Assistant Professor at the School of Medical Science and Technology, IIT Kharagpur. With a rich international research background spanning South Korea, the USA, and the UK, Prof. Dutta brings unparalleled expertise. His pioneering work includes inventing enzyme-free, disposable immunosensor chips and developing mobile phone-based platforms for detecting infectious and metabolic diseases. His research focuses on:
- Label-free electrochemical biosensors and biosensor arrays.
- Aptamer- and DNA-based sensor technology.
- Lab-on-Printed Circuit Board (PCB) for low-cost, integrated devices.
- Self-powered biodevices and wearable biosensors.
- Microfluidics and bio-nanotechnology for diagnostics and drug delivery.
Course Overview: What You Will Learn
This multidisciplinary course is structured to take learners from fundamental concepts to advanced applications and commercialization strategies. It is designed for Undergraduate/Postgraduate students, researchers, faculty, and industry/medical professionals. The only prerequisite is a 10+2 level understanding of basic sciences.
The 8-week curriculum is meticulously laid out as follows:
| Week | Core Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Introduction to POC diagnosis, Analytical Chemistry fundamentals (thermodynamics, kinetics) for biosensing. |
| Week 2 | Nanobiomaterials: Synthesis, characterization, biofunctionalization, and their role in early biomarker detection. |
| Week 3 | Diagnostic tools, signal amplification chemistry (e.g., Redox Cycling), and electrode modification with nanomaterials. |
| Week 4 | Lab-on-a-Chip devices, multiplex diagnostic systems, non-invasive approaches, and printed bioelectronics. |
| Week 5 | New POC detection systems: Wash-free, label-free methods, and Lab-on-PCB integration. |
| Week 6 | Integration with mobile tech: Wearable biosensors, smartphone-based platforms, disposable self-powered POC devices. |
| Week 7 | Critical device characterization, performance validation, and addressing technical challenges. |
| Week 8 | Path to commercialization, and applications beyond healthcare: environmental monitoring, food safety, and security. |
Why This Field is Critical: The Promise of POC Devices
Point-of-Care devices empowered by nanobio technology aim to create systems that are:
- Portable & Disposable: For use anywhere, reducing cross-contamination risks.
- Rapid: Delivering results in minutes, not days.
- Ultrasensitive: Detecting biomarkers at very low concentrations for early disease diagnosis.
- User-Friendly: Designed for use by non-specialists in resource-limited settings.
- Cost-Effective: Making advanced diagnostics accessible and affordable.
Industry Relevance and Support
The course content is highly relevant to the current market, with industry support from leading companies including Coromandel International Limited, PalmSens, Zensor, GE Healthcare, Greyfalcon Healthcare Private Limited, and Metrohm. This ensures the learnings are aligned with real-world applications and commercial viability.
Essential Learning Resources
The course draws upon authoritative texts and pivotal research papers, such as:
- The Immunoassay Handbook by David Wild
- Analytical Electrochemistry by Joseph Wang
- Point-of-Care Testing: Principle and Clinical Applications by Peter B. Luppa & Ralf Junker
- Key review papers in Analytical Chemistry and Chemical Reviews on POC diagnostics and (bio)fuel cells.
Conclusion: A Gateway to the Future of Diagnostics
This course on Nanobio Technology Enabled Point-of-Care Devices offers a unique and comprehensive journey into one of the most dynamic intersections of engineering, science, and medicine. Under the guidance of Prof. Gorachand Dutta, participants will gain the knowledge to not only understand the science behind these life-saving technologies but also to contribute to their development and commercialization. For anyone passionate about innovating the future of healthcare and diagnostics, this program represents a foundational step.
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