AMU Researchers Secure Patent for Breakthrough Breath-Based Diabetes Detection Sensor



In a significant stride towards non-invasive medical diagnostics, a team of researchers at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) has been granted a patent for developing an innovative breath-based sensor designed to detect diabetes by analyzing exhaled breath. The development signals a potential shift away from painful blood pricks towards more convenient and patient-friendly diagnostic methods.

🔬 The Innovation: Breath-Based Acetone Sensor

The patented device is a nano-engineered sensor system capable of identifying volatile organic compounds (VOCs)—particularly acetone—in the breath of individuals. Elevated levels of acetone are commonly associated with Type 1 and uncontrolled Type 2 diabetes. The sensor uses a ternary nanocomposite material, which reacts sensitively to trace concentrations of acetone in the exhaled breath, enabling real-time analysis.

The invention was led by Dr. Mohammad Zain Khan, Associate Professor in the Department of Industrial Chemistry at AMU. His research team has focused on the development of cost-effective, portable, and non-invasive diagnostic tools. The breath sensor marks a significant departure from conventional methods of glucose monitoring that involve finger-prick blood sampling or continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), which can be expensive and invasive.

🏥 Why This Matters

India has the second-highest number of diabetes patients in the world, with over 100 million diabetics and 136 million pre-diabetics, according to the ICMR-INDIAB study (2023). Early detection is critical, especially in rural or underserved areas where blood-testing infrastructure is minimal.

The breath-based sensor provides:

  • Painless diagnosis
  • Rapid results
  • Lower risk of infection
  • Ease of use for home-based monitoring

🧪 Scientific Details

The sensor works by detecting acetone molecules in exhaled breath using a functionalized carbon nanotube or ternary nanocomposite film, which shows changes in electrical conductivity upon acetone exposure. These signals are then interpreted using embedded electronics to determine diabetic status.

Key features:

  • High sensitivity to low acetone concentrations (in ppm range)
  • Selectivity against interfering gases
  • Operates at room temperature
  • Compact and energy-efficient design

📜 Patent Details and Recognition

The patent has been granted under the Indian Patent Act, recognizing the novelty and industrial applicability of the sensor. The device is expected to enter prototype validation and clinical testing stages in collaboration with medical institutes.

Dr. Khan has also filed international patent applications, and two additional Indian patents are under process. His work has been widely published in peer-reviewed journals and has earned recognition at several innovation showcases.

“Our goal is to make diabetes screening as simple as blowing into a device, especially for people in resource-poor settings,” said Dr. Khan.

🧭 The Road Ahead

The AMU team is currently exploring partnerships for pilot-scale manufacturing, clinical trials, and potential commercialization. If successful, the device could significantly reduce the cost and burden of diabetes detection, not only in India but globally.

🔗 Related Links


India Reiterates Ban on Patent Evergreening: Piyush Goyal Emphasizes Public Health Over Pharma Profits

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has reiterated that India will not allow evergreening of pharmaceutical patents. Speaking at a recent trade event, Goyal highlighted India’s commitment to affordable healthcare and equitable access to medicines. He firmly stated that evergreening contradicts Indian law and undermines public health.


🔍 What Is Evergreening?

Evergreening is a strategy where pharmaceutical firms seek new patents for minor changes to existing drugs. These changes often include alterations in formulation, dosage, or delivery methods. The intent is to extend monopoly rights and delay generic drug entry.

India’s Patents Act, 1970, under Section 3(d), prohibits such practices unless the new version offers significantly enhanced therapeutic efficacy.

👉 Read Section 3(d) of the Indian Patents Act
👉 What is Evergreening – WHO Definition


🗨️ Goyal’s Firm Stand Against Evergreening

Piyush Goyal emphasized that India has faced repeated pressure from multinational pharmaceutical companies to weaken its IP laws. He stated:

“India does not permit evergreening. We protect genuine patents. But we will not let companies misuse the system to maintain monopolies.”

He challenged critics to show a single instance where India violated intellectual property rights. According to Goyal, none have been able to do so.


⚖️ The Legal Foundation: Section 3(d)

India’s Section 3(d) is a globally recognized provision. It has prevented the misuse of the patent system and has been upheld by the Supreme Court of India in the Novartis vs. Union of India case.

In 2013, India’s top court rejected Novartis’ patent for a modified version of the cancer drug Glivec, ruling it lacked increased efficacy.

👉 Learn more about the Novartis Case

This ruling became a milestone in India’s public health jurisprudence and strengthened the nation’s stance on patent quality over quantity.


🌍 Public Health Over Profits

Goyal underlined that India’s patent system aims to balance innovation with access. He noted:

“Our goal is to make life-saving medicines available at affordable rates—not to support super-profits for a few companies.”

India’s approach supports global healthcare. The country is known as the “Pharmacy of the Global South”, supplying low-cost generics to over 200 nations.

The government also runs Ayushman Bharat, one of the world’s largest public health programs, covering more than 620 million people.

👉 Visit Ayushman Bharat official website


🌐 Global Support and Recognition

India’s position has gained support from global health advocates. Organizations like Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) have praised Section 3(d) for preventing abusive patent extensions.

International forums including the World Trade Organization (WTO) have acknowledged India’s right to use TRIPS flexibilities to protect public health.

👉 TRIPS Agreement – WTO


🧾 Summary Table: India’s Policy on Patent Evergreening

IssueIndia’s Position
EvergreeningStrictly prohibited under Section 3(d)
Valid PatentsFully respected during legal term
TRIPS ComplianceYes, with use of flexibilities
Pressure to Amend IP LawsResisted to safeguard public health
Generic Medicine PromotionEncouraged for affordable drug access

🔑 Key Takeaways

  • India will not compromise its patent law to favor big pharma.
  • Section 3(d) remains the cornerstone of India’s patent policy.
  • The government remains committed to TRIPS-compliant innovation and global medicine accessibility.

WHO and Medicines Patent Pool Support Nigerian Innovation in Health Diagnostic

In a landmark step towards strengthening healthcare innovation in Africa, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Medicines Patent Pool (MPP) have announced strategic support for Nigerian-led advancements in health diagnostics. This collaboration is aimed at fostering local innovation, improving access to affordable diagnostic tools, and enhancing the country’s capacity to respond to pressing public health challenges.

The initiative comes under WHO’s Global Initiative on Digital Health and the MPP’s commitment to equitable access to medical innovations. Nigeria has been identified as a critical partner due to its growing innovation ecosystem and urgent need for scalable, cost-effective diagnostic solutions for diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, hepatitis, and HIV/AIDS.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, WHO Nigeria Country Representative, Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo, emphasized the importance of locally developed technologies in transforming health outcomes. “Nigeria has demonstrated significant potential in biomedical innovation,” he stated. “By supporting homegrown diagnostic solutions, we aim to empower Nigerian researchers and entrepreneurs to develop tools that are not only technologically sound but also contextually appropriate for local health challenges.”

The partnership will provide technical assistance, funding opportunities, and pathways to intellectual property management through the MPP. Nigerian innovators will gain access to international patent licensing frameworks, regulatory support, and opportunities for technology transfer. This is expected to facilitate the development, manufacturing, and distribution of diagnostics that meet global standards while remaining affordable for local healthcare systems.

“Affordable diagnostics are a cornerstone of universal health coverage,” he said. “Through this collaboration, we aim to bridge the gap between innovation and access, ensuring that promising technologies from Nigeria can benefit both the country and the wider global South.”

Among the early beneficiaries of the initiative is a Lagos-based biotech startup that has developed a rapid point-of-care diagnostic test for tuberculosis, which uses AI-powered image recognition. Another group from Ahmadu Bello University is working on a low-cost paper-based testing kit for hepatitis B and C, tailored for use in rural and underserved communities.

Health experts have welcomed the announcement, noting that empowering local solutions can reduce dependency on imported diagnostics and improve response times during outbreaks. Dr. Amina Balogun, a public health analyst, noted: “This kind of support is crucial for building a self-reliant health system. It’s not just about the tools, but about building confidence and capacity in our institutions and scientists.”

As part of the next phase, WHO and MPP plan to host a regional innovation forum in Nigeria later this year to showcase emerging diagnostic technologies and connect local developers with global health agencies and funders.

This partnership marks a significant step in aligning Nigeria’s innovation capacity with global health goals and demonstrates how strategic international collaboration can empower local solutions to meet both national and international health needs.


Patent granted for a herbal medicine to manage diabetes

Dr. Bharti Goyal, a research scholar at the Government College of Education (GCE) in Chandigarh, has received a patent for her innovative herbal formulation aimed at managing diabetes and its related complications. Dr. Goyal developed the formulation in collaboration with Professor Sapna Nanda, utilizing natural traditional herbs as a promising alternative to synthetic diabetic medications, which often have side effects.

The patent, titled “An oral synergistic formulation for the management of diabetes and related complications,” was granted in just two years, setting a record time for such patents. The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has recognized and approved the formulation, and the patent is valid for 20 years, starting from December 30, 2022, in accordance with the Patents Act, 1970.

This achievement emphasizes the potential of traditional herbal medicine in modern scientific research. The formulation provides a safer, effective, and sustainable option for managing diabetes, highlighting the importance of integrating traditional knowledge with contemporary scientific advancements.