Amogh Desai

Heart failure is a condition that affects millions worldwide, and it boils down to this: the heart can’t pump blood as efficiently as it should. This struggle to keep up with the body’s demands leads to fluid buildup, causing symptoms like swelling (edema) and shortness of breath. As the heart weakens, it can no longer maintain a balance of fluids, and patients often end up feeling weighed down by their own bodies. To combat this, doctors commonly perform diuretic therapy which involve medications designed to help the body get rid of excess fluid by promoting urine production.

The standard goal of heart failure treatment is to bring the body’s fluid levels back to normal. However, monitoring whether a patient is losing enough fluid isn’t always straightforward. Doctors often rely on indirect signs like weight loss, but these can be slow and unreliable. Some patients show little response to the treatment early on, which can lead to further complications.

This is where natriuresis, or sodium loss in the urine, comes into play. Since diuretics work by helping the body excrete sodium (which pulls water along with it), monitoring sodium levels in urine could provide a clearer picture of how well the therapy is working. Studies have shown that patients who don’t excrete enough sodium have poorer outcomes, including higher chances of death or being readmitted to the hospital. On the flip side, those who lose more sodium tend to fare better, even if their overall fluid loss isn’t as dramatic.

By using molecular biology and advanced electrophysiological techniques, our goal is to develop a , protein-based biosensor that can accurately measure sodium levels in urine. This biosensor would be able to give real-time feedback on how much sodium a patient is excreting, offering a more precise way to tailor diuretic therapy. Current methods of sodium measurement involve collecting urine samples over a 24 hour time frame. For nurses, this process can be labor-intensive. Collecting spot urine samples requires careful timing, coordination with the patient, and proper labeling to ensure accuracy. In busy hospital environments, managing multiple patients means balancing these tasks with other essential duties, such as monitoring vitals, administering medications, and attending to patient needs. Therefore, our goal is to develop a proof of concept for automated sodium measurement in urine, enabling personalized treatment for heart failure.

Working as a PhD student in the lab has been both challenging and rewarding. One of the highlights of my experience has been developing my project from the ground up. I’ve enjoyed the freedom to design experiments and brainstorm creative solutions to address the key issues in my research. I’m also fortunate to be part of a supportive lab team, always ready to offer advice, troubleshoot problems, and teach me new techniques. This sense of camaraderie makes even the toughest moments easier to navigate. Outside of lab work, we often bond through activities like international potlucks, racquet sports, and even go-karting! Overall, my time in the lab has been incredibly fulfilling, and I’m excited to continue learning and growing as I progress through my project.