FOR their project on non-invasive bacteria detector in wounds, alumni of the Technological Institute of the Philippines-Manila claimed a podium spot in the 2021 James Dyson Awards.

Electronics engineering graduates Angelica Moneth Lozano and Shania Xylene Miguel were recognized for their medical electrochemical device that identifies microbes found in wounds and other topical cuts through quick gas absorption.

The team worked on the project for a year.

The project competed with 33 entries and eventually finished runner-up in the JDA nationals.

“Our prototype gives immediate diagnosis of infectious and decaying wounds, skipping long processes of laboratory sampling which is rather costly and painful,” Lozano said.

He said that their goal was to make healthcare accessible to all.

“We’ve tested it on diabetic patients at Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center; and for results to be accurate, the device’s sensors need to absorb the fumes emitted by the wound from an ideal distance of one to four millimeters only. Bacteria present will be shown through an LCD screen in less than five seconds,” she explained.

Dr. Rommel Anacan, head of TIP Manila’s Math and Physics department, said the institution aims to create a “culture of excellence and innovation.”

The non-invasive bacteria detector advanced to the international JDA where it will go head-to- head with fellow podium finishers in other countries.

The James Dyson Award encourages new ideas to solve problems.