| Description |
Title: “Integrated Electrochemical Device for Liver Function Testing”
Committee:
Muhammad Zaman, PhD – BME (Advisor, Chair)
Mario Cabodi, PhD – BME
Sean Elliot, PhD – Chemistry
Tarek Meguid, MD – State University of Zanzibar
Abstract:
Liver diseases represent a vastly underestimated and historically neglected public health problem, disproportionately affecting those in low- and middle- income countries (LMICs). Patients on hepatotoxic medications, such as HIV and TB medications, need consistent monitoring of liver function as part of their standard of care. In high resource settings, this need is easily met, but in LMICs traditional methods fail due to high cost and lack of proper equipment, supplies, and trained personnel. To address this gap in technology and patient care, we are developing and optimizing a robust assay for on-site, point-of-care monitoring of liver health. We will take an electrochemical approach to quantify the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), a key biomarker of liver function, in whole blood. Next, we will build a patient- and provider- centric platform for detection. To minimize sample preparation steps and simplify the user experience, we will fabricate screen printed electrodes in-house and predry them with assay reagents. Furthermore, we will incorporate user feedback and an understanding of the existing health system by conducting interviews and focus-group discussions with our longstanding partners at a tertiary care hospital in Zanzibar.
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