Ideaz

M.A.R.S

Multiplex Antibiotic Resistance Screening

"Rapid results for confident treatment"

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1️⃣ The Problem 🦠

• Doctors hand out broad-spectrum antibiotics “just in case” all the time — without knowing if the bacteria is resistant or not.
• This is because lab tests take 2–3 days (culture + sensitivity testing).and so they give any antibiotic for temporary purposes.
• If the antibiotic doesn’t work, the infection worsens, and stronger drugs are given → this fuels the rise of superbugs (multidrug-resistant bacteria).
• WHO reports ~5 million deaths annually linked to antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
• Hospital stays become longer, costlier.
• Last-line drugs (carbapenems, colistin) are failing in some countries.
• Core of the problem: Diagnosis is too slow and too inaccessible. By the time doctors know the bacteria & resistance profile, the wrong antibiotic may already have been used.

2️⃣ The Gap in the Market  🧩

• Culture-based tests: Accurate but slow (2–3 days) and require lab infrastructure.
• PCR/Sequencing: Expensive, technical, and limited to specific genes.
• Current rapid tests: Single-target or require instruments.

M.A.R.S fills this gap:

• Rapid (<1 hour) and easy to use.
• Detects multiple resistance genes at once (multiplex).
• Affordable (~$5–10 per test).
• Works in clinics, rural hospitals, and low-resource settings.

3️⃣ The Solution – M.A.R.S 🎯
The M.A.R.S. test is a rapid, point-of-care diagnostic tool designed to quickly screen for multiple antibiotic resistance genes directly from a patient sample. By providing rapid, actionable genetic information, M.A.R.S. allows clinicians to make informed treatment decisions, prescribe targeted antibiotics, and avoid the use of broad-spectrum drugs.

How it works:

M.A.R.S is a palm-sized test cassette:

1. Sample collection
   Swab blood, urine, or wound → put sample in a small lysis buffer to release bacterial DNA.
2. Loading the sample
   Add drops of buffer + sample to the preloaded wells on the cassette.
3. Reaction inside the well  --Each well has freeze-dried Cas enzyme + guide RNA (gRNA) + reporter molecule.
   
   1. Colorimetric readout
   • Reporter molecule = ssDNA/RNA tagged with dye + quencher.
     • Intact → quencher blocks dye → invisible\/no change in colour
     • Cut by Cas → dye released → visible red color
   • Color guide for clinicians:
   1. No colour change = no resistance detected
   2. 🔴 Red = resistance gene detected.
4. • Interpretation (30–45 min)
   • ✅ no colour change → safe to prescribe standard antibiotics
   • ❌ red well → avoid that antibiotic class
   • ❌ Multiple red lines → multidrug resistance → escalate treatment.

4️⃣ Scientific Mechanism 🧪

1. Sample in buffer

• Lysis buffer breaks open bacteria → releases DNA/RNA.
• Stabilizes nucleic acids and prevents degradation.

1. CRISPR detection

• Cas enzyme + gRNA scans the solution for target DNA/RNA.
• gRNA binds only to the resistance gene sequence it is specific to.

• gRNA is programmed to detect a specific resistance gene:

  • mecA → MRSA (methicillin resistance)

  • blaNDM → carbapenem resistance

  • vanA → vancomycin resistance

  • qnrB → quinolone resistance

  • aac(6’) → aminoglycoside resistance

• When gRNA recognizes the specific resistant gene, it activates Cas and Cas changes shape upon binding → activates collateral cleavage.

1. Reporter cleavage → color change

• Reporter floats freely in the well:

                                Dye — ssDNA/RNA — Quencher

• So essentially if the guide RNA (gRNA) detects the presence of antibiotic resitant gene in the sample loaded then it binds to it like a lock and key model and the freeze dried cas enzyme then recognizes and cuts the specific resistant gene fragment and has a function called ‘collateral cleavage’ where it not just the target sequence but also the reporter molecules present nearby and dye is released if resistance gene is detected, otherwise the cas is not activated and no cutting occurs so reporter is not cut and dye is not released.
• Cas cuts reporter → dye separates from quencher → red color appears.
• If no target → Cas inactive → reporter intact → no color.
• Multiplexing: Each well/line targets a different gene → simultaneous detection of multiple resistances.

Patient sample → lysis buffer → DNA released

         │

         ▼

   Well with Cas/gRNA + Reporter

         │

Target DNA present? ──► Yes ──► Cas activated → reporter cut → Red color

         │

         No ──► Cas inactive → reporter intact(dye stays quenched) → no colour change

5️⃣ Who Does it Benefit? 🧑‍⚕️🤝👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

• Patients → get effective treatment fast, fewer complications.
• Doctors/Hospitals → prescribe confidently, reduce hospital stays and costs.
• Public Health → slows spread of superbugs, reduces broad-spectrum antibiotic misuse.

6️⃣ Why It Matters to Me 👩‍🔬

Antibiotic resistance is a worldwide problem that affects countless lives. The ability to create rapid diagnostics like M.A.R.S(Multiplex Antibiotic Resistance Screening) is very useful because it tackles the problem at its core: preventing the misuse and overuse of antibiotics. As a biotech student and future professional in this field, the idea of providing clinicians with immediate, accurate information to prescribe the right antibiotic – or even avoid one when unnecessary – is incredibly motivating. It's about shifting from broad-spectrum guesswork to precision medicine, a concept I'm passionate about. This project is a way to :empower healthcare with fast, clear, and actionable results that can be used effectively in any clinical setting, truly making a difference in the fight against superbugs.

7️⃣ Road Map to Market  🗺️

1. Prototype: Build cassette/strip with M.A.R.S reporters.
2. Lab testing: Confirm target detection in bacterial cultures.
3. Clinical validation: Test on patient samples → compare with gold-standard culture.
4. Regulatory approval: In vitro diagnostic (IVD) certification.
5. Launch: Hospitals → rural clinics → pharmacies for point-of-care use.
6. Expansion: Add more resistance genes, new infections (TB, gonorrhea, hospital-acquired infections).

Made from sturdy, rigid biological polymers like chitosan and PHAs (polyhydroxyalkanoates), SustainaGlove gloves are built to resist harsh chemicals, heat and exposure to dangerous toxins without penetrating into the skin or losing their structural integrity. These polymers are safe and non-toxic, and easily degrade back into the soil, unlike traditional nonbiodegradable plastic gloves. 

Apart from solving the mounting issue of lab waste with its unique eco-friendly biopolymer technology, SustainaGlove is also designed with the comfort of the user in mind. Unlike traditional gloves that trap sweat, and require the addition of powders to keep them from sticking to the hands, SustainaGlove is designed to let sweat out, while also keeping chemicals and contaminants from coming in. With a hydrophilic interior built with micro-pores to allow the sweat to diffuse, and a hydrophobic outer coating that prevents seepage of lab reagents, these gloves are engineered with students and researchers always in mind. 

Combining comfort, sustainability, and advanced protection, SustainaGlove redefines what a laboratory glove can be. SustainaGlove can be the solution the world needs to eradicate the 5.5 million tons of plastic generated per year by disposable plastics in bioscience facilities alone, while being tailored to scientist’s and researcher’s needs for advanced safety and wearability. 

SustainaGlove matters to me because as a Biotechnology student, I spend a huge portion of my time in the lab. Every day, I use and dispose at least one set of plastic gloves, something that contributes largely to my overall plastic waste. A product like this could solve the issue of sweaty, sticky gloves while also reducing individual plastic pollution, and help future scientists like me take action against the pressing problems of climate change.

Dysmeno - A safe and affordable period cramp relief tablet

“Where Science Meets Comfort.”

The Problem:

• Almost 80% of menstruating women experience cramps ranging from moderate to severe and the current solutions to alleviate this pain are mostly over-the-counter painkillers (NSAIDs, paracetamol) or hormonal interventions (birth control pills), which often have side effects like gastric irritation, liver stress, risk of carcinogenicity and hormonal imbalance.
• High doses of the existing tablets coupled with cumulative dosage and age can increase likelihood of severe and adverse effects to our health.

Gap in the Market:

• Safety: Painkillers that are currently being used by most women today pose multiple risks to their health.
• Accessibility: In many regions, safe and affordable options are inaccessible.

Dysmeno attempts to fill this gap in the following ways:

• Non-carcinogenic & safe: Scientifically formulated to avoid long-term risks.
• Little to no side effects: Gentle on the stomach, liver, and overall metabolism.
• Affordable: Priced to be accessible to women across income groups.
• Fast-acting & effective: Provides relief within a short period.
• Natural + science-backed: Blend of natural extracts and clinically validated compounds to maximize relief and safety.

The Solution? - Dysmeno

• It is a tablet that performs the same functions as that of the existing painkillers without the adverse side effects being subjected to our health.
• Its composition is as follows:

1. Standardized Ginger extract (Zingiber officinale) — 250 mg
2. Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) extract — 30 mg
3. Curcumin (as phytosome or curcuminoid + piperine complex) — 250–500 mg curcuminoids equiv. + 5 mg piperine
4. Magnesium (elemental Mg as magnesium citrate/magnesium oxide) — 125–250 mg elemental magnesium
5. Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) — 50–100 mg
6. Binder: microcrystalline cellulose (MCC)
7. Disintegrant: croscarmellose sodium (2–5%)
8. Lubricant: magnesium stearate (≤1%)
9. Glidant: colloidal silicon dioxide (≤1%)
10. Enteric coating, since gastric tolerance is a concern
11. Uses a fast-dissolving core (to achieve goal: relief within 30–60 minutes)

Geographical focus:

• Urban and semi-urban areas with high awareness and accessibility to pharmacies.
• Expansion to rural areas through NGO/health initiatives.
• Global opportunity: Menstruation is universal; hence, the product has cross-border scalability.

Development of product:

• Formulation: The above mentioned combination of natural anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic ingredients.
• Dosage form: Small, easy-to-swallow tablet with fast dissolution.
• R&D process: Partner with pharmacologists, gynecologists, and biochemists to ensure safety and efficacy.
• Clinical trials: Phase-wise testing to establish safety, absence of carcinogenic effects, and effectiveness compared to NSAIDs.

Who does this product serve?

• Women and menstruators of all ages, from teenagers to working professionals and mothers.
• It serves those seeking a safe, affordable, and effective alternative to conventional painkillers, especially for regular monthly use without harmful side effects.

Why does this matter to me?

• This product will be important to many as it tackles one of the most common yet overlooked health concerns.
• I want to provide accessible, safe and efficient period painkillers to ensure the health and the quality of life of all women.

Road Map to the Market:

• Preclinical (0–1 yr): Formulation is finalized by in vitro and animal safety/toxicity studies per ICMR/GLP guidelines.
• Clinical Trials (1–4 yrs):

1. Phase I: Small group (20–80, healthy volunteers) under CDSCO approval.
2. Phase II: 100–200 women with dysmenorrhea, multi-center hospitals.
3. Phase III: 1,000+ women across India, proving safety/efficacy.

• Regulatory Approval (2–4 yrs): Submit New Drug Application (NDA) to CDSCO / DCGI with trial data, CMC, and stability results.
• Manufacturing (3–4 yrs): Set up GMP-certified facility or partner with Indian pharma manufacturer; raw materials sourced under AYUSH/Pharma standards.
• Market Launch (4–5 yrs): Distribution via Jan Aushadhi stores, local pharmacies, and hospitals and online sales through e-pharmacy platforms (Pharmeasy, Tata 1mg).

rFC-OnSite

Portable Lab-on-Chip for Smart, Sustainable Endotoxin Detection

Problem Statement

The biomedical industry relies heavily on horseshoe crab blood to produce Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL), the gold standard for detecting bacterial endotoxins in vaccines, drugs, & medical devices. This practice threatens wild horseshoe crab populations, causing high mortality, impaired spawning, & ecological disruption.

Recombinant Factor C (rFC) assay kits are used to detect bacterial endotoxins (lipopolysaccharides, LPS) in pharmaceuticals, vaccines, & medical devices. They use a genetically engineered version of Factor C, the key protein from horseshoe crab blood, which activates in the presence of endotoxins. This activation triggers a fluorescent or colorimetric signal, allowing rapid, sensitive, & quantitative measurement of endotoxin levels without relying on live horseshoe crabs.

 Although recombinant Factor C (rFC) assays offer a sustainable alternative, they are limited to centralized labs, require trained personnel, & rely on batch-based testing. Current solutions lack portability, automation, & digital integration, preventing real-time, on-site endotoxin detection. As pharmaceutical manufacturing moves toward continuous, real-time quality assurance, there is a critical need for a portable, automated, & eco-friendly testing platform.

My Solution

We propose a handheld, AI-integrated Lab-on-Chip device that transforms endotoxin detection into a rapid, point-of-use process:

• Microfluidic Chip: Preloaded with recombinant Factor C, requiring only a single-drop sample.
  
  
• Endotoxin Detection: LPS activates rFC, which cleaves a reporter substrate to generate a fluorescence or colorimetric signal.
  
  
• AI Analysis: Embedded AI analyzes the signal, corrects for noise, & provides accurate readings in real time.
  
  
• Digital Integration: Results are displayed on a smartphone or cloud dashboard for seamless tracking & regulatory compliance.
  
  

Value Proposition 

• Current recombinant Factor C (rFC) assay kits improve upon traditional LAL tests but have significant limitations: they are benchtop systems requiring centralized labs, manual workflows, trained personnel, external signal detection, slower turnaround (30–60 minutes), high reagent use, & batch-based testing. While more sustainable than LAL, they are not optimized for real-time, on-site monitoring.
• The AI-integrated Lab-on-Chip rFC platform addresses these gaps by offering a portable, pocket-sized device with a fully automated “sample-to-answer” workflow. Integrated optical sensors & AI-driven analysis ensure rapid, accurate results in under 15 minutes. Cloud integration supports compliance tracking & centralized monitoring, while microfluidics reduce reagent use, making the platform sustainable, scalable, & cost-effective. This next-generation solution enables real-time, on-site endotoxin testing, overcoming the limitations of current rFC kits.

Who Benefits

• Pharmaceutical manufacturers gain real-time quality control
• labs & field operators can perform rapid testing
• the wider community benefits from safer vaccines & drugs produced sustainably.

Why This Matters to Me

This project addresses the intersection of public health, sustainability, & technology. Horseshoe crabs are not only ecologically vital but also a unique source of biomedical reagents. Witnessing the ecological impact of their exploitation motivates me to find sustainable alternatives. Developing a portable, AI-integrated Lab-on-Chip platform allows me to combine my knowledge of molecular biology, microfluidics, & bioengineering to create a solution that protects these ancient marine species while delivers a scalable, cost-effective, & environmentally responsible solution for modern endotoxin detection. This project embodies my vision of using biotechnology responsibly to innovate, conserve, & make a hugedifference.

🍏BareBite

Bio-Indicator for Toxic Elements

"BITE your food before it bites you!"
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1️⃣The Problem 🤔

• "An apple a day keeps the doctor away"
  Unless, of course, your apple is coated with enough pesticides to keep the doctor in business.
• Shoppers today face a choice: Play Russian roulette with a variety of chemical assassins. Or wash their food for 20 minutes while hoping the chemicals peel off (they really don't).
  
• The issue isn't just paranoia. WHO estimates ~200,000 deaths annually from pesticide poisoning both direct and chronic.
• For parents, their children, health freaks and anyone who doesn't want their fresh produce to double as slow poison, trust in food safety is fragile.
  

2️⃣The Gap in the Market 📈

• Lab Tests: Accurate but slow, expensive and inaccessible for daily use.
  
• Home Kits: Bulky, confusing and often limited to only a type of pesticide.
  
• Organic Labeling: Misleading and doesn't always guarantee safety.
  

BareBite attempts to fill this gap:

• Portable, instant and reliable detection of fresh food pesticides in 10-20 seconds with a single strip.
• Can be used on fruits, vegetables and even liquids like juices and soups.
  
• User-friendly and eco-friendly with no lab work, no guesswork, and recyclable product material.
  

3️⃣The Solution- 🍏BareBite

• BareBite is a biodegradable test strip which instantly tells you if your food is safe to consume
  
• Wet the BareBite paper strip ➡️ Rub a region of the fruit/vegetable with it ➡️ wait 10-20 seconds ➡️ see the truth in the colour of the BareBite strip:
  🟢Green: Safe to consume
  🟡Yellow: Mild residue, wash thoroughly before consumption
  🔴Red: Do Not Consume. High levels of chemical pesticide residue detected
• This works on liquids as well. Pour a drop of fruit juice/soup onto the BareBite strip and check colour change for spoilage or contamination.
• Makes pesticide testing simpler like a litmus test but for invisible toxins.

4️⃣Scientifc Mechanism🧪

• Chemicals like Organophosphates, Organosulfates and Carbamates are major components of fruit/vegetable farming pesticides that also leech into water and cause major food and water contaminations.
• They inhibit the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE), which causes toxic effects.
  
• BareBite principles this enzyme-substrate reaction:
  Wipes contain food safe AchE + a chromogenic substance
  Active enzyme = Reaction with substrate = green colour
  Pesticides inhibit enzyme = Reaction blocked = yellow/red colour
  
  
• Further fine-tunings in the lab can quantify enzyme inhibition and define color thresholds, while expanding into future detection of heavy metals, aflatoxins from microorganism and plant metabolites.
• The BareBite strips can be recycled by returning to the distributor, going through a reverse enzymatic process to separate toxin from non-leaching cellulose based strips for repurposing.

5️⃣Who Does it Benefit? 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

• Families who wish to have healthy bites with peace of mind.
• Parents who want to protect their children from future complications.
• Farmers’ Markets to show credibility and pesticide-free assurance.
• Encourage safer farming, reduced chemical exposure and less food waste.
• A chance to finally say “I’m eating this apple, but I won’t die for it”.

6️⃣Why it Matters to Me? 🧑‍⚕️

• Giving consumers awareness on safe food consumption can promote a healthier world, and ensure a sustainable environment for the next generation.
• Shiny =/= Safe. BareBite attempts to fill this trust gap in production.
• I want to provide affordable and biodegradable methods of chemical testing to encourage a cleaner and greener world.
• I wish to empower people to make informed food choices and give them control over what they eat.

7️⃣Road Map to the Market 🛣️

• Step 1: Demo with variety of safe chemicals in the lab for prototype
• Step 2: Test the enzyme-substrate reaction on real produce to confirm no leaching
• Step 3: Incubation/Funding, pitch to local farmer markets.
• Step 4: Packaging & Branding with clear instructions and affordable prizing
• Step 5: Launch & Expansion targeting both urban and rural centres with B2C and B2B models with next steps for development of multi-analyte detection