DETECT: Disposable Sensor for Continuous Detection of Renal Disease
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Glasgow
Department Name: School of Engineering
Abstract
Disease detection using non-invasive methods has gained significant attention as the non-invasive technology is user-friendly and suitable for developing home care diagnostics devices. Non-invasive detection is important especially for early-stage detection and monitoring of chronic diseases as chronic diseases are accountable for around 75% of deaths across the world as per the WHO report.
Among chronic diseases, the detection of chronic renal (kidney) disease is important as it has affected around 10 % of the population globally and millions of people die every year due to unaffordable treatment. In addition, recent studies have suggested that COVID-19 long-haulers are at significantly higher risk for getting end-stage renal disease. Therefore, early-stage renal disease detection is the most appropriate way to prevent it reaching to the severe stage.Presently, blood and urine sampling methods are used for renal disease detection. However, existing methods are laboratory dependent, need skilled technicians, non-user-friendly, time-consuming, and inconvenient for continuous monitoring. Therefore, there is need to come up with a suitable non-invasive detection method, which is user-friendly, fast, easily repeatable, more acceptable for patients and convenient for continuous monitoring. To serve the purpose, DETECT is explicitly aimed at fabricating a multi-functional antenna to develop a wireless ammonia sensor demonstrating reliable sensing performance for early-stage detection of renal disease. The multi-functional antenna or antenna sensor will serve the dual function as: (i) NFC tag for wireless communication; and (ii) analyte sensor for detection of target analyte i.e., ammonia. The antenna sensor would be developed using the biodegradable materials (e.g., PEDOT: PSS, graphene, carbon) on a disposable substrate (e.g., PDMS, PLA, Paper) to develop a high performance and eco-friendly ammonia sensing device suitable for continuous detection of renal disease.
Among chronic diseases, the detection of chronic renal (kidney) disease is important as it has affected around 10 % of the population globally and millions of people die every year due to unaffordable treatment. In addition, recent studies have suggested that COVID-19 long-haulers are at significantly higher risk for getting end-stage renal disease. Therefore, early-stage renal disease detection is the most appropriate way to prevent it reaching to the severe stage.Presently, blood and urine sampling methods are used for renal disease detection. However, existing methods are laboratory dependent, need skilled technicians, non-user-friendly, time-consuming, and inconvenient for continuous monitoring. Therefore, there is need to come up with a suitable non-invasive detection method, which is user-friendly, fast, easily repeatable, more acceptable for patients and convenient for continuous monitoring. To serve the purpose, DETECT is explicitly aimed at fabricating a multi-functional antenna to develop a wireless ammonia sensor demonstrating reliable sensing performance for early-stage detection of renal disease. The multi-functional antenna or antenna sensor will serve the dual function as: (i) NFC tag for wireless communication; and (ii) analyte sensor for detection of target analyte i.e., ammonia. The antenna sensor would be developed using the biodegradable materials (e.g., PEDOT: PSS, graphene, carbon) on a disposable substrate (e.g., PDMS, PLA, Paper) to develop a high performance and eco-friendly ammonia sensing device suitable for continuous detection of renal disease.
Organisations
Publications
Beniwal A
(2025)
Additive Strategies to Mitigate Humidity Interference Effects on PEDOT:PSS Sensors for Ammonia Detection
in IEEE Sensors Journal
Beniwal A
(2024)
Eco-Friendly Textile-Based Wearable Humidity Sensor with Multinode Wireless Connectivity for Healthcare Applications.
in ACS applied bio materials
Beniwal A
(2023)
Room Temperature Operated PEDOT: PSS Based Flexible and Disposable NO 2 Gas Sensor
in IEEE Sensors Letters
Beniwal A
(2025)
Room-Temperature-Operated Fe 2 O 3 /PANI-Based Flexible and Eco-Friendly Ammonia Sensor With Sub-ppm Detectability
in IEEE Sensors Letters
Shukla P
(2025)
Disposable and Highly Sensitive Humidity Sensor based on PEDOT:PSS/GO Heterostructure
in IEEE Journal on Flexible Electronics
| Description | The project is successfully completed. Considering the work plan of the project the fellow (Dr. Ajay Beniwal) and the mentor (Prof. Chong Li) have worked regressively to achieve the project objectives dedicated towards the healthcare sector. The efforts assigned to work packages have been concluded with a systematic plan as follows: • The selection of suitable disposable materials for substrate, electrodes and sensing layer has been done for developing the ammonia (NH3) sensor. The choice of the substrate material (e.g., paper) is based on the disposability aspect. The choice of ink (e.g., graphene-carbon ink) is based on its appropriateness for printing-based techniques. The choice of sensing material/s (e.g., PEDOT:PSS) is based on their biocompatibility and suitability for solution-based techniques. • The effect of humidity on the ammonia gas sensing properties is a persistent challenge in the gas sensor technology. Before investigating the ammonia gas sensing properties of the selected material, the in-situ doping based strategy was developed to mitigate/reduced the humidity interference effect on the ammonia sensing characteristics. Therefore, proposing an in-situ additives based facile and viable solution for mitigating the humidity interference is one of the significant achievements obtained within this project work. This work has been published in IEEE Sensors Journal. For details, please refer to A. Beniwal, P. Ganguly, G. Khandelwal, R. Gond, B. Rawat and C. Li, "Additive Strategies to Mitigate Humidity Interference Effects on PEDOT:PSS Sensors for Ammonia Detection," in IEEE Sensors Journal, doi: 10.1109/JSEN.2025.3533298 • The primary step of the work moved forward to successfully achieve the award objectives in timely and efficient manner by successfully developing a 'Flexible and Eco-Friendly Ammonia Sensor With Sub-ppm Detectability' and holding promise for its potential applicability in healthcare applications, i.e., renal disease detection. This work has been published in IEEE Sensors Letters. For details, please refer to A. Beniwal, R. Gond, X. Karagiorgis, B. Rawat and C. Li, "Room-Temperature-Operated Fe2O3/PANI-Based Flexible and Eco-Friendly Ammonia Sensor With Sub-ppm Detectability," in IEEE Sensors Letters, vol. 9, no. 2, pp. 1-4, Feb. 2025, Art no. 2000404, doi: 10.1109/LSENS.2025.3527229. • In addition, an in-situ additive method as a straightforward and viable solution for reducing humidity interference is further explored for demonstrating enhanced ammonia sensing characteristics. The flexible and sustainable ammonia sensor developed for ppb to sub-ppm levels detections is further expanded with data transfer in real time on mobile phone using wireless connectivity considering it's potential applicability for continuous monitoring. • Moreover, along with developing the sensing solutions for ammonia detection, the prospective relevance of the developed humidity sensor toward healthcare applications (breathing rate/patterns monitoring, skin moisture monitoring, and neonatal care etc.) is also demonstrated. This work is published in journal. For details, please refer to ACS Appl. Bio Mater. 2024, 7, 7, 4772-4784. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsabm.4c00593 • Meanwhile, the nitrogen dioxide (NO2) sensing characteristics of the PEDOT:PSS are investigated for potential applicability in various application areas including healthcare application. The findings of this work are published as 'Room Temperature Operated PEDOT: PSS Based Flexible and Disposable NO2 Gas Sensor' in journal IEEE Sensors Letters. For details, please refer to A. Beniwal, P. Ganguly, R. Gond, B. Rawat and C. Li, "Room Temperature Operated PEDOT: PSS Based Flexible and Disposable NO2 Gas Sensor," in IEEE Sensors Letters, vol. 7, no. 9, pp. 1-4, Sept. 2023, Art no. 2001804, doi: 10.1109/LSENS.2023.3308518. • Similarly, the temperature sensing properties of the PEDOT:PSS are also investigated and published as 'Disposable and Flexible PEDOT:PSS-Based Temperature Sensor for Healthcare Applications' as a conference paper in IEEE Applied Sensing Conference (APSCON) 2024. For details, please refer to A. Beniwal and C. Li, "Disposable and Flexible PEDOT:PSS-based Temperature Sensor for Healthcare Applications," 2024 IEEE Applied Sensing Conference (APSCON), Goa, India, 2024, pp. 1-4, doi: 10.1109/APSCON60364.2024.10465834. |
| Exploitation Route | The outcomes of this funding can be taken forward and put to use by others in several impactful ways as follows: • Integration into Wearable Healthcare Devices: The developed ammonia sensor holding promise for potential applicability into wearable healthcare devices for real-time kidney health monitoring. Also, the developed humidity sensor demonstrated for the potential applicability in healthcare applications (breathing rate/patterns monitoring, skin moisture monitoring, and neonatal care etc.) can be further integrated with the wearable healthcare devices. • Point-of-Care (PoC) Testing: Potential applicability as home-based, cost-effective, patient-friendly diagnostics and non-invasive monitoring for early renal disease detection. • Remote Healthcare: Wireless data transmission can be further expanded to develop remote patient monitoring systems via integrating with IoT-based healthcare platforms. • Enhancement of Sensing Materials and Sensitivity: Future research can focus on improving sensor selectivity, miniaturization, and stability for long-term use. • Further Research in Smart Sensors for Healthcare: The project's findings can be further extended to develop multi-analyte sensing platforms for various diseases like renal disease, diabetes, liver disease, and respiratory disorders. •Ammonia Monitoring in Agriculture and Industry: The sensor can be adapted for environmental monitoring in wastewater treatment and agricultural ammonia detection. |
| Sectors | Agriculture Food and Drink Chemicals Electronics Environment Healthcare Manufacturing including Industrial Biotechology |
| Description | The findings from this award seem to have significant futuristic potential to contribute to several non-academic impacts across various sectors, including healthcare, industry, and public health. • Improved Patient Monitoring and Integration into Wearable Healthcare Devices: The developed ammonia sensor holding promise for potential applicability into wearable healthcare devices for real-time kidney health monitoring. Also, the developed humidity sensor demonstrated for the potential applicability in healthcare applications (breathing rate/patterns monitoring, skin moisture monitoring, and neonatal care etc.) can be further integrated with the wearable healthcare devices. This can reduce the need for frequent hospital visits along with enhancing remote healthcare services. • Environmental and Industrial Impact: The sensor technology has potential applications in wastewater treatment, air quality monitoring, and agricultural ammonia detection. Also, could be adapted for detecting ammonia in food packaging and storage, ensuring better food safety standards. • Public Engagement and Awareness via Outreach and Educational Impact: The project has been used to inspire students and young researchers through school, institute and university outreach programs. |
| Sector | Agriculture, Food and Drink,Chemicals,Electronics,Environment,Healthcare,Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology |
| Impact Types | Societal |
| Description | A talk at IIT - Ropar, India on 'Smart Sensing Technologies for for Healthcare and Agricultural Applications' in April 2023 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | • A talk on 'Smart Sensing Technologies for Healthcare and Agricultural Applications' was presented by the fellow Dr. Ajay Beniwal in April 2023 at Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) - Ropar, India. • The event witnessed around 30 number of participants from different academic levels including undergraduate / postgraduate / research scholars / academicians. • The primary goal of this event was to bring together the researchers/academicians from various fields/disciplines to enhance their interest in the research areas related to 'Smart Sensing Technologies.' • The event consisted of presentation on 'Smart Sensing Technologies' using power point followed by sparked questions and discussion afterwards. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | A talk on 'Career Guidance: Career in Engineering' presented by the fellow Dr. Ajay Beniwal in August 2024 at UIET - Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, India. |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
| Results and Impact | A talk on 'Career Guidance: Career in Engineering' presented by the fellow Dr. Ajay Beniwal in August 2024 in Student Induction Program (SIP) organized by UIET - Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, India. Purpose: To provide valuable insights into career opportunities in engineering. To guide students on emerging fields, industry trends, and higher education prospects. To discuss research opportunities, job prospects, and skills required for success in the engineering domain. Impact on Students: Helped students understand various career paths in core and interdisciplinary engineering fields. Encouraged students to explore entrepreneurship, higher studies, and research opportunities in engineering. This session proved to be a valuable career guidance opportunity, helping students navigate their professional journey in the engineering field. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://www.uietkuk.ac.in/pdf/report%20f-compressed.pdf |
| Description | A talk on 'Career Opportunities and Challenges in Higher Education and Research' presented by the fellow Dr. Ajay Beniwal in November 2024 at UIET - Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, India. |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | A talk on 'Career Opportunities and Challenges in Higher Education and Research' presented by the fellow Dr. Ajay Beniwal in November 2024 at UIET - Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, India. Objective: To provide insights into career paths in higher education and research. To guide students on academic careers, research opportunities, and industry collaboration. To discuss challenges faced by researchers and academicians. Impact on Students and Researchers Provided valuable guidance on career paths in academia and research. Encouraged students to pursue interdisciplinary research and advanced studies. Highlighted the importance of innovation, networking, and staying updated with technological advancements. The main aim of this session was to serve as an essential roadmap for students and young researchers, helping them navigate career opportunities and challenges in higher education and research. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7264663043551232002/ |
| Description | An Invited Talk on "Flexible and Printed Electronics-Based Smart Sensing Technology" presented by the fellow Dr. Ajay Beniwal |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | • Event Details: Title: "New Frontiers in Semiconductor Technology and Quantum Technology." Organized by Amity Institute of Nanotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, India in May 2024. • Key Highlights of the Talk: o Provided insights into flexible and printed electronics, an emerging field revolutionizing modern sensing applications. o Discussed the advantages of these technologies, including low-cost fabrication, lightweight materials, mechanical flexibility, and scalable manufacturing. o Explored their applications in healthcare, environmental monitoring, and smart wearables. • Benefits to the Audience: o Helped faculty members and researchers gain knowledge of cutting-edge sensor technologies. o Provided practical insights into the integration of printed electronics with traditional semiconductor-based devices. o Encouraged discussions on interdisciplinary research combining nanotechnology, materials science, and electronics. • Future Prospects: o Highlighted the potential of flexible and printed electronics in next-generation Internet of Things (IoT) devices, biomedical sensors, and sustainable electronics. o Motivated researchers to explore collaborative projects in the field of flexible, wearable, and energy-efficient electronics. This talk served as a valuable knowledge-sharing session, equipping faculty and researchers with innovative ideas for future advancements in semiconductor and quantum technologies. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Expert Panel Member in Conference ICAC3N 2023 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | • The fellow Dr. Ajay Beniwal joined the International Conference on Advances in Computing, Communication Control and Networking (ICAC3N-23) as an expert panel member and speaker in December 2023. The event was organised by Galgotias College of Engineering, Greater Noida, India. • The event (expert panel discussion) witnessed around 200 number of participants from different academic levels including undergraduate / postgraduate / research scholars / academicians. • The primary goal of this event was to bring together top researchers, scientists, engineers, and scholars from around the world to share their latest research findings and experiences through featuring keynote speeches, technical sessions, and workshops, the conference covers a wide range of topics such as cloud computing, AI, wireless communication systems, IoT, and cybersecurity. • A talk on 'Smart Sensing Technologies for Healthcare and Agricultural Applications' was also presented by the fellow during this event using power point followed by sparked questions and discussion afterwards. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://icac3n.in/speakers |
| Description | School Activity |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | School Activity Program: Objective: To create awareness among school students about the research work. To inspire young minds towards science, technology, and engineering. To recognize and felicitate students for their interest and achievements. Impact of the Program: Increased awareness of how sensing technology contributes to healthcare, environment, and smart devices. Motivated students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and research. Encouraged hands-on learning through interactive sessions and real-world applications. Inspired future scientists and engineers to engage in STEM projects, innovation, and research. This event was dedicated to successfully bridge the gap between school-level science education and cutting-edge research, sparking curiosity and enthusiasm among students to explore the world of sensors and emerging technologies. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7264663043551232002/ |
| Description | • A talk on 'International Funding Opportunities for Research' |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | • A talk on 'International Funding Opportunities for Research' was presented by the fellow Dr. Ajay Beniwal in April 2023 at University Institute of Engineering and Technology, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, India. • The event witnessed around 80 number of participants from different academic levels including undergraduate / postgraduate / research scholars / academicians. • The main agenda of this event was to discuss and motivate the researchers/academicians from various fields/disciplines to generate their interest in the research field via applying for funding opportunities to go forth to serve the society. • Furthermore, to promulgate the ideas and objectives of the Marie Curie Fellowship (UKRI Funded) among the participants importance and role of UK Research and Innovation, Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council along with the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions was discussed by the fellow during the presentation. • UKRI, EPSRC and MSCA logos along with the project DETECT (EPSRCEU/DETECT/X027791/1) were kept in the acknowledgment section. • The event reported increased interest in applying for funding opportunities and fellowships in related/relevant research areas. The participants were really keen to learn more about there opportunities and were encouraged further by post-presentation discussions. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=686711033459203&set=pb.100063609372037.-2207520000&locale=en_GB |