In a groundbreaking achievement, researchers from the Faculty of Technology at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, the Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT), and the Ipswich Hospital, United Kingdom, have collaborated to develop a state-of-the-art biosensor capable of accurately detecting ocular pH levels. This innovative device is expected to have significant implications in various applications of ophthalmology.
The research team, led by Dr. Danushika Manatunga, Mr. H. H. P. B. Sandaruwan, Prof. Nilmini Liyanage and Dr. Rohan Dassanayake from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Dr. Eranga Wijesinghe from SLIIT University, and Dr. Pabakara Costha from Ipswich Hospital, United Kingdom, were capable of developing the biosensor after months of rigorous testing and refinement.
As more people expect to reply on better and cheaper healthcare, quick and accurate tools to diagnose eye problems are becoming more important. This is especially important in emergencies, such as when harmful chemicals get into the eyes.
Ocular chemical burns can cause severe damage, leading to pain, vision loss, and even permanent blindness if not properly treated. According to the treatment process shown in Figure 1, restoring the eye’s pH to normal levels quickly is essential to prevent further injury and promote healing
Before starting the treatments, measuring the acidity or alkalinity of the exposed chemicals is crucial to ensure the treatments proceed in the correct direction as indicated in Figure 1. The current methods for diagnosing the ocular pH can be both expensive and slow. However, a new approach using Nil Katarolu flowers is set to change this approach.
Figure 2:pH responses of anthocyanin extracted from Nil Katarolu flowers, as well as the pH responses of pH-sensitive cotton buds and pH-sensitive nanofiber mats impregnated with Nil Katarolu flower extracts.
Nil Katarolu flowers (Clitoriaternatea), known for their beautiful blue colour, offer more than just visual appeal. These flowers are packed with health benefits. They contain antioxidants, which help fight damage in the body, and have anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce swelling and pain.
Nil Katarolu flowers also help with anxiety, depression, and can boost brain function. They are useful in managing diabetes, fighting-off harmful microbes, and even preventing cancer. They are also believed to support eye health and improve vision. Over the past few years, our research has been working on enhancing the performance of natural dyes to make significant improvements in ocular healthcare.
Figure 3: Example of way to take pH readings
The unique property of Nil Katarolu flowers to change colour when exposed to different pH levels is the key to this new development.
The anthocyanin color pigment in the Nil Katarolu flower is responsible for this colour change and can be easily extracted into an acidified ethanol medium. This colour response gives unique colours over a wide pH range as depicted in Figure 2.
Our research team tested many natural sources and finally chose Nil Katarolu for its excellent ability to effectively detect pH changes. We have developed two main products using Nil Katarolu extraction: pH-sensitive cotton buds and electrospun nanofiber mats.
By exposing to a single teardrop, our products can provide an accurate pH-related color change within less than five (05) seconds. Furthermore, these products could also maintain their effectiveness over time (longer shelf-life). This ensures they provide reliable results when they are most needed, as depicted in Figure 3.
We use special manufacturing processes to make sure that these products keep their effectiveness. This innovation is not just about advancing science; it’s about making eye care more accessible and affordable for everyone.
This novel invention shows how natural solutions can address major healthcare challenges and make a real difference in people’s lives. In conclusion, the use of Nil Katarolu to create pH-sensitive products is a fantastic example of how nature can help to advance medical field.
Written by,
Mr. H. H. P. B. Sandaruwan (Graduate Research Assistant Department of Biosystems Technology, Faculty of Technology, University of Sri Jayewardenepura)
Dr. Danushika Manatunga (Senior Lecturer Department of Biosystems Technology, Faculty of Technology, University of Sri Jayewardenepura. Research team behind the finding)
