Agents of Destruction
A simple sensor to measure nerve agents in the field
Jonathan James | | Quick Read
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 (
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.”
- 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
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