OnSpec x AI: A Breakthrough Duo for Rapid Disease Screening in 5 Minutes

Raman spectroscopy has long played a crucial role in identifying substances in
fields such as pharmaceuticals, forensics, and agriculture due to its precision
and speed. However, its widespread use has been limited by weak signal
intensity and the complexity of spectral data. The recent integration of artificial
intelligence (AI) has transformed this landscape, enabling the processing of
highly complex Raman signals with remarkable accuracy and paving the way for
medical applications.
Thailand’s National Electronics and Computer Technology Center (NECTEC)
under the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) has
developed OnSpec, a Raman signal-enhancing chip capable of amplifying
signals up to one million times. Combined with AI-based data analysis, OnSpec
can rapidly screen for diseases such as latent tuberculosis, dengue fever, and
gallbladder cancer. The chip is cost-effective, highly compatible with standard
Raman spectrometers, and delivers results within just five to ten minutes,
making it suitable for both laboratory and field use.
The OnSpec x AI system is currently being applied in medical research across
three major disease areas. Tests show over 90% accuracy in identifying dengue
infection and 70% accuracy in predicting severe cases, over 80% accuracy in
detecting latent tuberculosis, and the ability to classify stages of gallbladder
cancer in lab animals with similar precision. The technology is now undergoing
development toward ISO 13485 certification for medical devices. With its fusion
of AI and Raman spectroscopy, OnSpec represents a transformative step in
rapid, precise, and accessible disease diagnostics for global healthcare