Patents

Inventors:

Hardik J. Pandya, Nitu Bhaskar, Rashmi H S, Kaushik Lakshmiramanan, Pranav Binulal, Aloysious Benoy

Abstract:

The invention features the design of an energy-harvesting, wirelessly controlled electronics module for actuating smart microneedle patches used in drug delivery and disease monitoring, particularly for chronic conditions. This module facilitates communication and energy harvesting via an external device, such as a mobile phone, using NFC (Near Field Communication) technology. Smart microneedles can be externally controlled intermittently or continuously through electrical, thermal, and/or mechanical stimulations provided by the electronic module. The type and material of the microneedles—whether coated, hollow, or biodegradable—are selected based on the specific application of the patch. The patch contains multiple sets of microneedles, each set comprising an array of needles to enhance the device’s capacity. These needles are coated with electrodes that act as conductors for the electronic module, enabling needle actuation. This actuation facilitates drug delivery to the target site and biomarker monitoring as needed or at regular intervals. The patch is applied to the user’s limbs or torso using an applicator.

Status:

Inventors:

Hardik J. Pandya, Nitu Bhaskar, Rashmi H S, Kaushik Lakshmiramanan, Pranav Binulal, Aloysious Benoy

Abstract:

The invention features the design of an energy-harvesting, wirelessly controlled electronics module for actuating smart microneedle patches used in drug delivery and disease monitoring, particularly for chronic conditions. This module facilitates communication and energy harvesting via an external device, such as a mobile phone, using NFC (Near Field Communication) technology. Smart microneedles can be externally controlled intermittently or continuously through electrical, thermal, and/or mechanical stimulations provided by the electronic module. The type and material of the microneedles—whether coated, hollow, or biodegradable—are selected based on the specific application of the patch. The patch contains multiple sets of microneedles, each set comprising an array of needles to enhance the device’s capacity. These needles are coated with electrodes that act as conductors for the electronic module, enabling needle actuation. This actuation facilitates drug delivery to the target site and biomarker monitoring as needed or at regular intervals. The patch is applied to the user’s limbs or torso using an applicator.

Status:

Current Status: IDF Submitted (Ref: ES-DESE-2024-073) (June 3rd, 2024)

Inventors:

Hardik J. Pandya, Pranav Binulal, Kaushik Lakshmiramanan, Aloysious Benoy

Abstract:

The invention includes the design of an applicator for easy and effective application of microneedle patches onto the limbs or torso. The application of microneedles onto the human skin for delivery of drugs or monitoring the disease has to be perfect since the piercing of the needles onto the transdermal region determines the effectiveness of the patch. The type of microneedle used, i.e. coated, hollow, or biodegradable, depends on the application of the patch. The patch may consist of multiple sets of microneedles, each with an array of needles. The entire array is applied with a uniform, controlled force to form an even penetration. Furthermore, the force is adjusted to reach the desired depth with minimal pain to the user, while maintaining the integrity of the structure of the needles.

Status:

Inventors:

Hardik J. Pandya, Pranav Binulal, Kaushik Lakshmiramanan, Aloysious Benoy

Abstract:

The invention includes the design of an applicator for easy and effective application of microneedle patches onto the limbs or torso. The application of microneedles onto the human skin for delivery of drugs or monitoring the disease has to be perfect since the piercing of the needles onto the transdermal region determines the effectiveness of the patch. The type of microneedle used, i.e. coated, hollow, or biodegradable, depends on the application of the patch. The patch may consist of multiple sets of microneedles, each with an array of needles. The entire array is applied with a uniform, controlled force to form an even penetration. Furthermore, the force is adjusted to reach the desired depth with minimal pain to the user, while maintaining the integrity of the structure of the needles.

Status:

Inventors:

Rathin K. Joshi, Ajay Krishna A, Hari R S, Hardik J. Pandya

Abstract:

The invention includes the design of a portable and wearable headband with three electrodes for subjective assessment of cortical and brainstem-evoked auditory response extraction. Three electrode slots are designed for two configurations: (i) Fpz, Fz, and Cz, and (ii) Fpz, Cz, and Pz, following the international 10-20 system for scalp electrode placement. In the case of auditory experiments, a wet electrode was placed at Fpz for auditory brainstem response (ABR) acquisition, and two dry electrodes were located at Fz and Cz for cortical auditory evoked potential (mismatch negativity – MMN) acquisition. Additionally, the device was manufactured using a precise proportion of rigid and flexible resin to ensure an intact skin-electrode interface with optimal ease of operation, comfortable head size adjustability, and robust signal fidelity. Moreover, a provision for swapping electrodes from the anterior (Fz and Cz) to the posterior (Cz and Pz) side of the head also broadens the scope involving visually evoked potential extraction.

Status:

Inventors:

Anil Vishnu G K, Hari R S, Ajay Krishnan A, Hardik J. Pandya

Abstract:

The present invention relates to a novel multiplexed Lab-on-PCB (Printed Circuit Board) platform designed for efficient electrochemical analysis. The platform comprises four sets of electrodes, each containing a working electrode, counter electrode, and reference electrode. These electrodes are incorporated into microwells, which can also be further linked to a central well via thin channels. This innovative configuration facilitates simultaneous sample loading, mixing, and analysis on large scale manufacturing-compatible PCB technology making it suitable for point-of-care and disposable diagnostic applications based on electrochemical sensing. such as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy studies.

Status:

IDF submitted (Ref: ES-DESE-2023-11) (December 13th, 2023)

Inventors:

Hari R S, Anil Vishnu G K, Ajay Krishnan A, Hardik J. Pandya

Abstract:

A novel multiplexed lab-on-printed circuit board (PCB) platform designed for diverse technological and analytical applications, with a special focus on biological and chemical sensors. This platform comprises four sets of interdigitated electrodes (IDE) of soft gold integrated into an FR-4 substrate-based PCB with multiplexed microwells for sample loading. The innovative design enables efficient and simultaneous analysis of analytes, immunosensing applications, quick sample loading, and mixing within the wells. The platform’s capability to measure the impedance of interdigitated electrodes offers a sensor device that can gauge changes in the dielectric properties of materials penetrated by the electric field lines for the loaded samples.

Status:

Indian patent application filing no: 401673-001 (December 8th, 2023)

Inventors:

Ajay Krishnan A, Hari R S, Hardik J. Pandya

Abstract:

The invention presents a universal casing for use as a portable impedance analyzer, designed to securely enclose the “PalmSens Sensit Smart" module for point-of-care healthcare applications that require the biosensor to be securely connected to the measuring system. The casing’s adaptable spring mechanism facilitates the accommodation of laboratory-on-printed circuit board (PCB) systems of variable dimensions, providing researchers with a versatile and convenient solution. This portable and user-friendly design enhances the usability of the Sensit Smart system with biosensors that employ liquid analytes and facilitates the safe handling of primary patient samples by reducing cabling and ensuring a compact fit between the biosensor and the measuring system.

Status:

Indian patent application filing no: IN202341082321 (December 4th, 2023)

Inventors:

Hardik J. Pandya, Sreenivas Bhaskara, Shabari Girishan K V, Saravanan M, Rathin K. Joshi, Suman Chatterjee, Nitu Bhaskar

Abstract:

The L-shaped surface neural implant (SNI) is targeted for electrical stimulation/electrophysiological signal acquisition from the secondary motor area (M2) of a rat’s brain. The shape is such that the other deep neural implant can also be deployed without intervening with the existing SNI. The five electrodes spanning the 1.95 mm x 3.09 mm area can reasonably pick up the signals from the intended M2 region in the rat’s brain. The area required for the circuits for interfacing will be reduced; thereby, the complexity of the surgery can be significantly reduced.

Status:

IDF submitted (October 11th, 2023)

Inventors:

Hardik J. Pandya, Rathin K. Joshi, Varun Kumar M, Megha Agrawal, Latika Mohan, Mahesh Jayachandra

Abstract:

EEG pattern provides vital information to assess the neurological state of humans. Especially seizure type classification is important for epilepsy as therapy differs for different epilepsy subtypes. Currently, skilled neurologists classify seizures based on visual analysis. However, manual EEG inspection is time-consuming, laborious, subjective, and prone to misclassification due to artifacts and EEG variability. This invention aims to address these limitations. This invention relates to the development of a quick, robust, and accurate EEG acquisition and the subsequent spatiotemporal analytical method to extract EEG patterns.  Robust acquisition, pre-processing, feature extraction, and optimal classifiers captured EEG patterns, including spikes, sharps, slow waves, and SWD (Spike-Wave Discharges). The developed classifier results are validated against clinical impressions provided by experienced epileptologists. The method automatically classifies the EEG data into four types: normal, focal, generalized, and absence, with 93.18 % accuracy (n=88). The results suggest a novel way to screen epileptic subjects without false positives (accuracy: 94.32%, n=88) and tentatively identify the seizure type. Blind validation further confirms the generalizability of the classifier (accuracy: 90.90%, n=11). The developed method reduces the workload of neurologists for screening epilepsy and related neurological disorders.

Status:

Application Filed (August 10th, 2022)

Indian Patent Application number:

202241045754

Inventors:

Hardik J Pandya, Anju Joshi, Anil Vishnu G. K., Smitha P. K., and Manjula Das.

Abstract:

Most of the protein-protein interactions used in immunoassays involve a reaction between the target protein or antigen and its antibodies. Such immunoassays form the core of rapid antigen/diagnostic tests for viral infections such as the recent SARS-CoV pandemic. The major issues faced while designing an immunoassay include 1) Choosing specific and antibodies/antibody mimics for linking with the target ligand 2) Avoiding cases of nonspecific linkages and cross reactivity 3) Sensitive detection of antigen-antibody complex formation 4) Careful standardization of different physical and chemical parameters of the reaction surroundings and to reduce matrix effect. The scope for increasing the sensitivity, speed, and throughput of this technique demands more and more developments revolving around the principle of protein-protein interactions. While existing rapid detection label-free technologies have focused on lateral flow assays and electrochemical sensing, electrical impedance sensing presents itself as an easy-to-use and sensitive modality for detecting antigen-antibody binding events. This invention relates to the development and validation of such a device and methodology for high-throughput and sensitive detection of protein-protein interactions through antigen-antibody binding detection by electrical sensing for detecting SARS-CoV antigens and their variants through the detection of both the spike and nucleocapsid protein. Multiplexed microchips fabricated on industry-compatible ENIG and/or soft gold finish printed circuit board (PCB) are chemically modified for enhanced antibody immobilization and highly sensitive antigen detection. The microchips can be interfaced in a modular manner with either commercially available compact impedance sensing modules or custom electronic modules designed for specific applications. The assay has a limit of detection of 40 pg and can detect antigens with microlitre (20 – 40 mL) levels of analyte samples.

Status:

Application Filed

Indian Patent Application number:

202241039126 (July 7th, 2022)

Inventors:

Hardik J Pandya, Anil Vishnu G. K., Alekya B, Hari R. S., and Manjula Das.

Abstract:

Most of the protein-protein interactions used in immunoassays involve a reaction between the target protein or antigen and its antibodies. Many proteins are over-expressed in conditions of metastasis in cancer and even in primary tumors. Accurate detection of sub-nanogram levels of such proteins can help guide treatment outcomes in patients through accurate phenotyping of the disease. The major issues faced while designing an immunoassay include 1) Choosing specific and antibodies/antibody mimics for linking with the target ligand 2) Avoiding cases of nonspecific linkages and cross reactivity 3) Sensitive detection of antigen-antibody complex formation 4) Careful standardization of different physical and chemical parameters of the reaction surroundings and to reduce matrix effect. The scope for increasing the sensitivity, speed and throughput of this technique demands more and more developments revolving around the principle of protein-protein interactions. This invention relates to the development and validation of such a device and methodology for high-throughput and sensitive detection of protein-protein interactions through antigen-antibody binding detection by electrical sensing. Microchips (both linear and multiplexed designs) fabricated on industry compatible ENIG and/or soft gold finish printed circuit board (PCB) are chemically modified for enhanced antibody immobilization and highly sensitive antigen detection. The microchips can be interfaced in a modular manner with either commercially available compact impedance sensing modules or custom electronic modules designed for specific applications. The assay has a limit of detection of 40 pg and can detect antigens with microlitre (20 – 40 mL) levels of analyte samples.

Status:

Application Filed

Indian Patent Application number:

202241039127 (July 7th, 2022)

Inventors:

Hardik J. Pandya, V S N Sitaramgupta V, Nitu Bhaskar, Sudarshan Jagannathan, Asish Kumar Panda, Bikramjit Basu

Abstract:

Electrical stimulation has successfully enhanced the functional restoration of tissues, bones during pre-clinical studies. Electrical stimulation enhances the production of proteins and cellular activities. Recent studies indicated that different electrical stimulation signals are being studied to elucidate its behaviour on the cells and tissues for treating chronic diseases. The cellular osteogenic responses and mineralization influenced by novel scaffolds or stimulation regimes are being evaluated by the in vitro model. To characterize cellular osteogenic responses to different stimulations, it is required to prepare samples on different well plates and provide different stimulation patterns to each well simultaneously for high throughput. Though there exist multiple commercial systems, either they are expensive or not flexible to use. This invention disclosure details the development of an affordable, compact electrical stimulation system that is compatible with 6, 24,48, and 96 well plates. The universal electronic circuit can detect the well plate connected to it and regulate different patterns on each row of the well plate. The parameters of the input stimulation signals and the corresponding wells in the well plate can be selected and controlled using a GUI installable on a Windows laptop or PC.  

Status:

FER reply filed and application in amended examination. (June 8th, 2021)

202141025521

Inventors:

Hardik J Pandya, Aswin S, Hari R S, Akhil M, and Arjun B S.

Abstract:

The invention involves the design of a device that couples the camera to any microscope eyepiece, thereby transforming the microscope into a digital microscope. The device placed on the microscope eyepiece will align such that the optical axis of the camera and the microscope eyepiece become collinear. A rotatable ring on the device tightens the cantilever gripping elements and fastens the attachment module on the eyepiece.

Status:

Indian design patent no: 367940-001

Date of issue: April 14th, 2023

Inventors:

Hardik J Pandya, Arjun B S, Ajay Krishnan A, and Pushkraj Anil Janwadkar.

Abstract:

The invention involves a drug delivery device that can deliver fluids intradermally. The device that can be used with one hand is an injection device that can enable the patient to self-administer the drug with the press of a trigger. Alternatively, a second person can also use the device to administer the drug to a patient or the person who has to take the drug. The chamber within the device stores the container or syringe with the drug and mechanisms to push the syringe needle intradermally. The device consists of a mechanism that, on actuation, inserts the syringe needle tip to an intradermal depth, followed by the injection of the drug volume. The mechanism also retracts the needle after the injection automatically. The syringe can be taken out and disposed of post-injection, while a new syringe can be placed inside the device for reuse. The device also has the provision to adjust the angle at which the injection is carried out without affecting the depth of drug delivery. The base of the device can be firmly held against the skin before actuating the mechanism.

Status:

Application Filed (June 27th, 2022)

Indian Design Patent Application number:

202241033770

Inventors:

Hardik J Pandya, Arjun B S, Ajay Krishnan A, Adithya Kumar, and Paramesh H.

Abstract:

Examples of a reusable drug delivery device and a method of using the reusable drug delivery device for delivering a drug to a patient are described. The reusable drug delivery device may include a hollow top casing including a first end with a safety and a second end. The hollo top casing encloses an injection mechanism slider, an injection mechanism holder, an injection spring, and a button spring. The reusable drug delivery device may further include a hollow bottom casing that encloses a retraction mechanism holder, a needle retraction spring, and a needle retractor. The reusable drug delivery device further includes a syringe unit comprising a syringe and a syringe holder.

Status:

Indian utility patent no: 544781

Date of Issue: July 07, 2024

Inventors:

Hardik J. Pandya, Alekya B, Aswin S, Akhil M, S Siddesh Shenoy, Sanjay Rao

Abstract:

Described herein is a patency measuring tool for classification of central airway stenosis. The invention relates to a system and method for measuring inner diameter (ID) of tubular organ such as the trachea using an unfurling actuator having radial arms. Narrowing of the central airway reduces the effective lumen area in the tracheal and bronchial segments of the airway anatomy. The loss in patency due to obstruction increases resistance to airflow, and hence, it is often associated with morbidity and mortality. A prime challenge in treating patients with constricted airway is assessment of the airway caliber. At present surgeons lack a precise method for estimating the diameter intraoperatively. The proposed multi-armed unfurler tool provides measurement of the airway calibre even for non-circular stenosis with the versatile two, three and four arm actuator mechanism. Objective measurement of airway patency can aid in characterizing varying grades of tracheal obstruction. Quantitative evaluation of alteration in the airway anomaly facilitates targeted diagnosis and expedites on-site decision making.

Status:

Inventors:

Hardik J Pandya, Arif Mohd. Kamal, Uttam M. Pal, Arjun B. S., and Manu K. S.

Abstract:

The invention involves an intraoperative probe that can differentiate cancer margin during breast cancer resection. The probe can increase the extent of resection and the probability of attaining complete cancer resection, thus improving survival rates, better cosmetic outcomes, and the quality of life among the patients after surgery. With real-time results, the probe can aid in intraoperative decision-making. The probe and associated electronics are unique through the sensing modality they use. The probe integrates multiwavelength light sources, a monolithic photodiode with an inbuilt amplifier, a touch sensor switch, and an LED indicator unit. The probe is used for optical characterization of breast tissues for cancer delineation by measuring the different chromophores of the breast tissue with a high penetration depth, thereby attaining the best accurate results in thicker tissues. An indication of cancer boundary can be obtained using the data obtained from the probe and indicated on the laptop having a graphical user interface (GUI) module for assisting the surgeon in deciding on cancer margin assessment. Another modality is micromachined ultrasound transducers (MUTs) that will be incorporated with the optical modality to make it a multimodal probe to augment the cancer margin assessment.

Status:

Application Filed (March 15th, 2022)

Indian Patent Application number:

202241012649

Inventors:

Hardik J Pandya, Arjun B S, Anil Vishnu G. K., Gokul A M, Arun Baby, Shilpa Rao, Vikas V, Manish Beniwal and Anita Mahadevan.

Abstract:

The invention involves an intra-operative, in-vivo probe that can delineate tumour margin during brain tumour resection. The probe can increase the extent of resection and the probability of attaining gross tumour resection, thus leading to improved survival rates, as well as quality of life among the patients after surgical intervention. It also can address issues such as brain plasticity thereby enhancing the accuracy of brain tumour resection. With real-time results, the probe can aid in intra-operative decision-making. The probe, associated electronics and interface units are unique by means of the sensing modality they use. The probe is integrated with biochips or sensors or microarrays that are fabricated using technologies like MEMS or nanoimprint or screen printing or any of the other lithography-based processes or technology. These sensors can be multifunctional and thereby measure multiple parameters based on different principles for attaining the best accurate results. The probe design is such that it can reach out to complex surfaces and can be operated manually by hand as well as robotically. A virtual representation of tumour margin can be obtained using the data obtained from the probe and will be displayed on the interface unit for assisting the surgeon in resection.

Status:

Indian : FER reply filed, application in amended examination

Patent Application number:

Indian : 202041022728 (May 30th, 2020) 

PCT : PCT/IB2021/055027 (June 8th, 2021)

Inventors: 

Hardik J Pandya, Alekya B, Bhushan V, V S N Sitaram Gupta V, Arjun B S, Kevin Abhishek, S Siddesh Shenoy, Sanjay Rao and Mayur Bhuva.

Abstract: 

The invention pertains to a sensor integrated diagnostic tool for management of pathological airway in pediatric population. The tool can be used for characterizing the tracheal obstruction, such as stenosis, of varying grades and anomaly types. The tool is a combination of an array of flow sensors and an unfurling actuator with radial arms that houses tactile sensors at the tip of the arm. The flow sensor array yields airflow patterns across various segments of the tracheobronchial tree and the unfurling actuator measures patency with tactile sensors capable of distinguishing between malacic and healthy tissue. The unfurler has radial arms that remain coiled inside the cylindrical casing at the distal tip. Upon actuation, the arms uncoil radially outward. The movement of the radial arms causes the tactile sensors to contact the tracheal walls and gives a measure of the tracheal diameter.

Status:

Indian utility patent no: 491010

Date of Issue: December 28th, 2023

Inventors:

Hardik J Pandya, Anil Vishnu G K, Bhagaban Behera, Alekya B, Arun Baby, Saeed Rila B C, Arjun B S, Midhun C Kachappilly, Prathik BH, Dipshikha Chakravortty and Nagasuma Chandra.

Abstract:

The present disclosure provides a system for rapid antibiotic susceptibility testing. The system comprises portable electronic platform integrated with a cartridge containing a microfluidic chip, interdigitated electrodes, and microheaters for rapid, real-time, and label-free antibiotic susceptibility testing based on electrical sensing modality. A portable impedance analyser with a port is configured for holding the cartridge containing the microfluidic chip for AST testing.

Status:

Inventors:

Hardik J Pandya, Jagannathan Gopalakrishnan, Sonal Asthana, Vishnu Kurpad, Anil Vishnu G K, Midhun C. Kachappilly and Arjun B S.

Abstract:

A smart wearable device for monitoring health status is disclosed, comprising a temperature sensor and a blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) sensor. The temperature sensor senses temperature of the user whereas the SpO2 sensor senses blood oxygen saturation and heart rate of the user. The device includes a control unit that receives at least one of temperature, heart rate, and SpO2 of the user from the temperature sensor and SpO2 sensor. The control unit also determines whether at least one of temperature, heart rate, and SpO2 falls below respective threshold. When the at least one of temperature, heart rate, and SpO2 falls below the threshold, the control unit generates an alert signal to alert the nearest health services about the health status of the user.

Patent Application number:

TEMP/E-1/29841/2020-CHE

Date of Filing:

25th June 2020

Inventors:

Hardik J Pandya, Anil Vishnu G K, Bhagaban Behera, Saeed Rila, Midhun C Kachappilly, Arun Baby and Annapoorni Rangarajan.

Abstract:

The present disclosure provides a system for rapid diagnosis of malignant lesions from biopsy tissue. The system comprises table-top platform integrated with microsensors and electronic modules for label-free and rapid phenotyping of extracted biopsy tissues using multiple modalities for a quick diagnosis, and to identify the margin for use inside the operation room. A multiple logistic regression model takes all the physical parameters measured as input variables to accurately predict the diagnosis. The electrical resistivity, thermal conductivity and mechanical stiffness of the extracted biopsy tissues are measured and used for performing the diagnostic delineation. The computations are performed on-board and the entire system can be controlled and actuated using a smart phone.

Status:

Indian: Request for Examination (RFE) filed, application not yet published.

Patent Application number:

Indian: 202041029955

PCT: PCT/IB2021/055611

30th May 2020

Inventors:

Hardik J Pandya, Jagannathan Gopalkrishnan, Anil Vishnu G K, Midhun C. Kachappilly, Sudarshan Jagannathan, Akhil Mohan and Uttam M. Pal.

Status:

Inventors:

Jaydev P. Desai, Hardik J Pandya and Kihan Park.

Provisional US Patent Application No.:

62/112867

Date of Filing:

6th February 2015.

Inventors:

Sudhir Chandra and Hardik J Pandya.

Status:

Indian patent no: 556160

Date of Issue: December 12th, 2024

Inventors:

Sudhir Chandra and Hardik J Pandya.

Status:

Patent No.: 386650

Date of Grant: January 17th, 2022.

Inventors: Jaydev P. Desai, Hardik J. Pandya, Kihan Park

Status:

Patent granted

US Patent No.: US 11,701,061 B2

Date of Grant: July 18th, 2023

Inventors: Jaydev P. Desai, Hardik J. Pandya, Kihan Park 

Status:

Patent granted

US Patent No: US 10 791 992 B1

Date of Grant: July 18th, 2023

Inventors: Sunil Bhand, Sudhir Chandra, Hardik J. Pandya, Ruchi Tiwari, Rupesh Kumar Mishra

Status:

Patent granted

US Patent No.: US 2015/090612 A1

Date of Grant: October 15th, 2015

International (PCT) Grant no: WO 2013/164853 A2

Date of Grant: November 7th, 2013