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Guwahati, India: Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati have announced a groundbreaking innovation: a cost-effective nanomaterial capable of detecting toxic metals like mercury in human cells and environmental settings. This development has the potential to revolutionize disease diagnostics and environmental monitoring, making it easier to manage metal toxicity in biological systems.
Mercury exposure, often through contaminated food, water, air, or skin contact, poses severe health risks, including nervous system damage, organ failure, and cognitive decline. The research team has created stable metal halide perovskite nanocrystals, which are highly effective at identifying mercury ions in live cells without causing any harm.
“One of the standout features of these perovskite nanocrystals is their narrow emission linewidth, which is desirable for improving the sensitivity due to the high signal-to-noise ratio for metallic detection,” said Prof. Saikat Bhaumik, Assistant Professor, Department of Physics at IIT Guwahati.
Traditional imaging methods struggle with light scattering, making it challenging to capture clear images from deeper cell layers. The ability of the nanocrystals to undergo multiphoton absorption overcomes this limitation, enabling sharper and more detailed imaging. These properties make the material ideal for advanced fluorescence imaging in medical and biological research.
To enhance stability and ensure long-term functionality, the nanocrystals were encapsulated in silica and polymer coatings. This significantly improved their luminescent intensity in water, making them viable for practical use. When exposed to specific wavelengths, the enhanced nanocrystals emit bright green light, enabling precise detection of mercury ions, even in minute concentrations.
Tests on live mammalian cells revealed that the nanocrystals are non-toxic, maintaining cell function while effectively monitoring mercury ions. The nanocrystals’ sensitivity extends to detecting mercury at nanomolar concentrations.
Beyond mercury detection, these nanocrystals hold promise for identifying other toxic metals in biological systems and could even be adapted for drug delivery, enabling real-time monitoring of treatment efficacy.
This innovation marks a significant step forward in medical diagnostics and environmental monitoring, offering a safer and more efficient way to detect hazardous substances.
Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is based on announcements and data provided by the research team at IIT Guwahati. While the findings are promising, further studies and peer-reviewed validations are necessary before widespread application. Readers are encouraged to consult scientific literature or professionals for more detailed insights.
