Conexiant
Login
  • The Analytical Scientist
  • The Cannabis Scientist
  • The Medicine Maker
  • The Ophthalmologist
  • The Pathologist
  • The Traditional Scientist
The Analytical Scientist
  • Explore

    Explore

    • Latest
    • News & Research
    • Trends & Challenges
    • Keynote Interviews
    • Opinion & Personal Narratives
    • Product Profiles
    • App Notes

    Featured Topics

    • Mass Spectrometry
    • Chromatography
    • Spectroscopy

    Issues

    • Latest Issue
    • Archive
  • Topics

    Techniques & Tools

    • Mass Spectrometry
    • Chromatography
    • Spectroscopy
    • Microscopy
    • Sensors
    • Data & AI

    • View All Topics

    Applications & Fields

    • Clinical
    • Environmental
    • Food, Beverage & Agriculture
    • Pharma & Biopharma
    • Omics
    • Forensics
  • People & Profiles

    People & Profiles

    • Power List
    • Voices in the Community
    • Sitting Down With
    • Authors & Contributors
  • Business & Education

    Business & Education

    • Innovation
    • Business & Entrepreneurship
    • Career Pathways
  • Events
    • Live Events
    • Webinars
  • Multimedia
    • Video
Subscribe
Subscribe

False

The Analytical Scientist / Issues / 2020 / Feb / Agents of Destruction
Sensors Spectroscopy

Agents of Destruction

A simple sensor to measure nerve agents in the field

By Jonathan James 02/05/2020 1 min read

Share

Detecting organic compounds that disrupt the nervous system – whether used in chemical warfare or pesticides – is no easy task, but researchers at the University of Alberta have risen to the challenge with a spectroscopic approach that capitalizes on the quenching ability of nerve agents (1).

While both paraoxon and parathion easily quench the photoluminescence of silicon quantum dots, they are unable to quench green fluorescence protein. The result? A ratiometric sensor, capable of quantifying the concentration of nerve agent in a sample by its overall luminescence. “We’ve developed a rapid, straightforward, and cost-effective method to detect nitro-containing organophosphate nerve agents,” say researchers Christopher Robidillo and Jonathan Veinot.

“We’re now looking to expand the range of analytes we can study,” they say. “Our dream? A simple system that can be implemented on-site and without training.”

Newsletters

Receive the latest analytical science news, personalities, education, and career development – weekly to your inbox.

Newsletter Signup Image

References

  1. CJT Robidillo et al., “Ratiometric detection of nerve agents by coupling complementary properties of silicon-based quantum dots and green fluorescent protein”, ACS Appl Mater Interfaces, 36, 33478 (2019). DOI: 10.1021/acsami.9b10996

About the Author(s)

Jonathan James

Having thrown myself into various science communication activities whilst studying science at University, I soon came to realize where my passions truly lie; outside the laboratory, telling the stories of the remarkable men and women conducting groundbreaking research. Now, at Texere, I have the opportunity to do just that.

More Articles by Jonathan James

False

Advertisement

Recommended

False

False

The Analytical Scientist
Subscribe

About

  • About Us
  • Work at Conexiant Europe
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Advertise With Us
  • Contact Us

Copyright © 2025 Texere Publishing Limited (trading as Conexiant), with registered number 08113419 whose registered office is at Booths No. 1, Booths Park, Chelford Road, Knutsford, England, WA16 8GS.