Sharjah: The American University of Sharjah (AUS) research team has developed two new luminescent sensors that can detect tiny amounts of phosphorus-containing toxic compounds, such as pesticides and Chemical Warfare Agents (CWAs).
The innovation marks a giant leap forward from current technologies. The sensors are versatile and can be used in many sectors including military and defense for CWA detection, environmental monitoring for pesticide contamination in agriculture, industrial for toxic chemicals, emergency response for chemical spills, public safety, and research and development.
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The AUS Technology Transfer Office has filed a provisional patent for this technology with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. The project is funded by an AUS Faculty Research Grant and is led by Dr. Imad Abu-Yousef and Dr. Sofian Kanan, professors in the Department of Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Science. They are currently working on developing a prototype of the sensor.
“These sensors are sensitive and selective, they can detect even traces of toxic compounds,” said Dr. Kanan, the project lead.
“The luminescent sensors change color within 30 seconds upon contact with these substances, so you can detect and potentially neutralize some toxic effects, so it’s a detection and protection in one,” the researcher added.
Unlike traditional sensors that use semiconducting metal oxides and require high temperatures and vacuum systems, these luminescent sensors operate at room temperature.
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They are sensitive and selective to sarin simulants (compounds that mimic the properties of the nerve agent sarin) even in the presence of water and other interfering substances. Additionally, these sensors are stable, easy to manufacture in large quantities, and provide a more efficient method for detecting CWAs. The research took ten months in the Department of Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences.
“We planned synthesis strategies, characterized the sensors, and tested with CWA simulants to optimize sensitivity and selectivity. Now that we have optimized, we can make these materials in a week in our lab,” remarked Dr. Sofian Kanan.
The breakthrough development not only enhances detection capabilities but also represents a significant step forward in environmental safety and public health protection.