In India DRDO Create Indigenous BioFET Chip to Detect Heart Attack Risk in Soldiers

In the icy heights of the Himalayas, where temperatures plunge below freezing and oxygen is scarce, Indian soldiers stand guard against more than just external threats. Silent killers like sudden heart attacks, triggered by extreme cold and stress, have claimed lives in these unforgiving terrains. But now, a groundbreaking “Made in India” innovation is poised to change that. Developed through a unique collaboration between the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Delhi’s Miranda House College, the BioFET sensor a portable biological chip promises to provide early warnings of impending cardiac events. This device, blending cutting-edge biosensor technology with practical field needs, could save countless lives by detecting risks before symptoms strike.

Imagine a tiny chip, no larger than a fingertip, that analyzes a drop of blood serum and flags danger in minutes. That’s the BioFET in action. As Professor Monika Tomar, the lead researcher from Miranda House, explains, “The device that we have developed is BioFET, which can detect three biomolecules from a blood sample at once.” These molecules are not ordinary signals. They act as critical biomarkers directly linked to cardiac arrest. Their levels rise sharply when the heart experiences extreme stress.

This technology is no science fiction. Indian researchers have delivered the device to DRDO for field trials, marking a clear triumph of indigenous engineering and academic innovation.

The DRDO, India’s premier defense research agency, is no stranger to high-stakes innovations. From missiles to advanced materials, it has long focused on equipping the armed forces with homegrown technology. But this project highlights an unusual partnership: teaming up with Miranda House, a women’s college under Delhi University renowned for its science programs. Founded in 1948, Miranda House has a legacy of fostering female scientists, and under Professor Tomar’s guidance, a team of faculty and students turned a lab concept into a deployable prototype.

This collaboration underscores India’s push for self-reliance in defense tech. By fabricating instruments in-house, the team slashed costs by 50-60% compared to imported alternatives, making the BioFET not just innovative but economically viable. It’s a model of how academia and defense can converge to solve real problems, especially in a country where military personnel face unique health challenges.

Why Soldiers Need This Now

Cardiac issues are a growing concern for the Indian Army, particularly in high-altitude postings like Siachen Glacier. Extreme cold causes blood to thicken, promoting clot formation that can lead to sudden heart attacks—often without warning. Factors like low oxygen, physical strain, and mental stress amplify these risks, making cardiovascular disease a leading non-combat cause of death among troops.

Traditional diagnostics rely on bulky lab equipment, impractical in remote outposts. Soldiers might not get timely help, leading to tragic outcomes. The BioFET addresses this gap by enabling on-the-spot testing, allowing for rapid evacuation to medical facilities. As Professor Tomar notes, “We know that the soldiers of our army work in such difficult conditions.” This chip could be a game-changer, not just for icy mountains but also for deserts and other harsh environments where heart stress spikes.

How BioFET Works ?

At its core, the BioFET is a bio-field-effect transistor, a highly sensitive biosensor based on semiconductor physics. It functions like a tiny electrical gate that reacts to chemical changes on its surface.

When a blood serum sample is applied—similar to a finger-prick glucose test—the chip comes into contact with specific biomarkers. These biomolecular interactions change the local electrical field. The device converts this change into a measurable electrical signal. That signal reflects the concentration of the target biomarker.

The sensor is designed to detect three key biomolecules linked to cardiac risk. Their exact identities have not been publicly disclosed. However, they likely include clot-related markers such as D-dimer and inflammation indicators like C-reactive protein (CRP), both commonly used in heart attack diagnostics.

When biomarker levels rise above preset safety thresholds, the device triggers an alert on its display. The thresholds are carefully calibrated to reduce false positives.

Unlike conventional laboratory tests that can take hours, the BioFET delivers results within minutes. It also offers exceptional sensitivity. Similar BioFET-based sensors have detected cardiac troponin, the gold-standard heart attack biomarker, at femtogram-level concentrations.

Here’s a quick review of common cardiac biomarkers and their roles:

The BioFET’s portability is key: “This is the whole device. This means that it is easy to carry as well,” says Professor Tomar. It operates in ambient conditions but needs a controlled environment for accuracy, a minor hurdle for field medics.

The Journey from Lab to Battlefield

Developing BioFET was no easy feat. The project took nearly five years to complete. Initially, researchers spent two to three years on foundational work. Then, the effort intensified through collaboration with DRDO.

Along the way, the team faced major challenges. Most notably, they had to scale a delicate laboratory sensor into a rugged, field-ready chip. At the same time, they needed to ensure consistent performance under highly variable conditions.

According to Professor Tomar, the process was “very difficult and very challenging.” However, those obstacles did not slow progress. Ultimately, the team delivered a cost-effective working prototype. As a result, DRDO now holds the device and has begun field trials.

Broader Impacts Beyond the Borders

This isn’t just about soldiers BioFET exemplifies India’s biotech prowess. It reduces import dependency, boosts women’s roles in STEM, and could adapt for broader CVD monitoring, where early detection saves lives globally. With cardiovascular diseases killing millions annually, portable biosensors like this could democratize health tech.

As field trials progress, the BioFET stands as a beacon of hope: a small chip with massive potential to protect those who protect us.

“Science + Defence = Strong India.”

It’s a reminder that innovation, born from collaboration, can conquer even the coldest frontiers.

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