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Both cancer cells and the chemicals used to make bombs can foil detection because they appear in trace amounts too small for conventional detection techniques.
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Using molecular techniques in nanotechnology, Professor Doron Shabat of TAU's Raymond and Beverly Sackler School of Chemistry has engineered new molecules that have the power to identify targets - such as biomarkers in cancer, materials in explosives, or pollutants in water - even when present in miniscule amounts.
Professor Shabat's invention, like a bionic nose, can "sniff out" these trace molecules and amplify them tenfold, making them noticeable for doctors and crimefighters.
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"We are developing a molecular system that amplifies certain events," said Shabat. "That way, we'll be able to respond faster to medical, security and environmental threats. In effect, our device can amplify just about any chemical system that has a certain kind of reactivity," he added.
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"The long list includes a few kinds of cancer, as well, including prostate cancer. But, it also has applications for testing for impurities in water. It has both biological and non-biological applications," he added.
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A chemist would add trace amounts of the test material from the field - a spoonful of contaminated drinking water, for example - into the solution and would simply see if the color of the solution changes.
If so, the targeted material - the cancer, or explosive, or pollutant - is present.
The prototype is ready, and Shabat plans to use it to "amplify" problems around the world to improve healthcare, safety, and security.
Source-ANI
TAN/L
