Tuberculosis (TB) detection in the future will become faster, cheaper and easier using an innovative TB detection technique and device developed by Nanyang Technological University (NTU). The NTU technique of using light waves to detect the presence of TB agents was developed by a project team led by Associate Professor Lim Chu-Sing, group leader of the Biosensors Section, Biomedical Engineering Laboratory, School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, NTU.
Being accurate and efficient, the new TB screening system is expected to lower current costs of TB testing by up to 10 times. The impact of this cost reduction will be especially felt in poorer countries, especially those which do not enjoy the extent of laboratory facilities and equipment available in first world countries.
Initial clinical trials for NTU's TB detection device have just been completed. Commercialization of the device is in the pipeline as several local and overseas biomedical companies have already shown interest.
Says Assoc Prof Lim, "Throughout the research and development of this project, we were motivated by the hope of inventing a TB detection device that will become widely-used and hence lower TB incidence rates worldwide. Commercial partnerships will help us meet this goal."
