Synopsis
Researchers at IIT Guwahati have developed a new nanomaterial that can effectively and safely detect mercury in human cells, with potential applications in disease diagnostics and environmental monitoring. The stable perovskite nanocrystals show remarkable sensitivity and non-toxicity, making them ideal for advanced imaging and drug delivery.Key Takeaways
- Cost-effective detection of mercury in cells.
- Non-toxic to live mammalian cells.
- Enhanced imaging capabilities due to multiphoton absorption.
- Potential application in drug delivery.
- High sensitivity in detecting low mercury concentrations.
Guwahati, Jan 27 (NationPress) Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati have introduced a groundbreaking nanomaterial that offers a cost-effective solution for detecting toxic metals such as mercury in human cells.
Exposure to mercury through contaminated food, water, air, or skin can result in severe health complications, including nervous system damage, organ failure, and cognitive decline.
The research team has engineered stable metal halide perovskite nanocrystals capable of identifying toxic metals like mercury in live cells without inflicting any damage.
This innovation has the potential to transform disease diagnostics and environmental monitoring by enhancing the detection and management of metal toxicity within biological systems, according to the researchers.
“A notable attribute of these perovskite nanocrystals is their narrow emission linewidth, which boosts sensitivity due to a high signal-to-noise ratio for metallic detection,” explained Prof. Saikat Bhaumik, Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics at IIT Guwahati.
He pointed out that conventional imaging techniques often face challenges with light scattering, making it tough to capture clear images from deeper cell layers.
“The perovskite nanocrystals’ ability to undergo multiphoton absorption addresses this issue, facilitating sharper and more detailed imaging. These characteristics render them ideal for advanced fluorescence imaging in medical and biological studies,” he added.
To ensure the nanocrystals retain their effectiveness over time, the team encapsulated them in silica and polymer coatings. This significantly increased their stability and luminescent intensity in water, making them highly suitable for practical applications.
The enhanced nanocrystals emit a bright green light under specific wavelengths, allowing for accurate detection of mercury ions, which are dangerous even in trace amounts.
They also exhibited exceptional sensitivity, detecting mercury levels as low as a few nanomolar concentrations.
Furthermore, when evaluated on live mammalian cells, the nanocrystals proved to be non-toxic, maintaining cell function while effectively monitoring mercury ions.
In addition to mercury detection, these nanocrystals could significantly aid in identifying other toxic metals in biological systems and may also be adapted for drug delivery, enabling real-time evaluation of treatment effectiveness.
