A team of researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IIT-G), led by Prof. Saikat Bhaumik, Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics, has introduced a groundbreaking, cost-effective method for detecting toxic metals in living cells and the environment.
The team, in collaboration with Prof. Chandan Goswami, Associate Professor at NISER Bhubaneswar, aims to significantly improve disease diagnostics and environmental monitoring by enhancing the detection and management of metal toxicity.
Breakthrough with Perovskite Nanocrystals
At the core of this research are perovskite nanocrystals, advanced materials known for their extraordinary properties, which make them ideal for detecting metal ions.
These nanocrystals, which are approximately 100,000 times smaller than a human hair, can interact with light in unique ways. This ability allows them to function as fluorescent probes within living cells. However, their application has been limited due to their rapid degradation in water.
Enhancing Stability with Silica and Polymer Coatings
To overcome this challenge, the researchers developed a novel approach by encapsulating the perovskite nanocrystals in silica and polymer coatings.
This modification significantly increased the stability and luminescent intensity of the nanocrystals in water, enabling them to maintain their effectiveness over extended periods. As a result, the nanocrystals became highly reliable for practical use in detecting harmful metals.
High Sensitivity for Mercury Detection
When exposed to specific wavelengths of light, the enhanced nanocrystals emit a bright green glow, allowing for precise detection of mercury ions—even at minute concentrations.
Mercury, a highly toxic metal, can cause severe health risks such as nervous system damage, organ dysfunction, and cognitive impairments.
Through this research, the team was able to demonstrate the ability of these nanocrystals to detect mercury at concentrations as low as a few nanomolar. Furthermore, when tested on live mammalian cells, the nanocrystals were non-toxic and preserved cell function, while effectively monitoring mercury ions.
Broader Applications and Future Potential
While the primary focus of this research is on mercury detection, the potential applications extend far beyond that. These perovskite nanocrystals could be adapted to detect other toxic metals in biological systems, enhancing our ability to monitor metal exposure and its effects on health. Additionally, the nanocrystals hold promise for applications in drug delivery, where they could enable real-time monitoring of treatment efficacy, offering new insights into medical treatments.
As reported by biospectrumindia.com, the innovative approach represents a major step forward in the detection and management of toxic metals, with significant implications for both healthcare and environmental monitoring.