New Delhi, Jan 27 – Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Guwahati, have pioneered a groundbreaking and economical technique for detecting harmful metals in living cells and environmental samples. This innovative approach has the potential to transform disease diagnostics and environmental monitoring by enhancing the identification and management of metal toxicity in biological systems.

The research findings have been published in prestigious journals, including the “Journal of Materials Chemistry C” and “Materials Today Chemistry.”

At the core of this research are perovskite nanocrystals, which are advanced materials celebrated for their remarkable properties, making them ideal candidates for metal ion detection. These nanocrystals are approximately one-lakh times smaller than a human hair and exhibit significant light interaction, allowing them to function as fluorescent probes within living cells. However, their rapid degradation in water has previously hindered their practical applications, as noted by Saikat Bhaumik, Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics at IIT-Guwahati.

To overcome this limitation, the research team has successfully encapsulated the perovskite nanocrystals in silica and polymer coatings. This enhancement significantly boosts their stability and luminescent intensity in aqueous environments. “This modification ensures that the nanocrystals retain their functionality over extended periods, making them highly effective for practical applications. The enhanced nanocrystals emit a bright green light when exposed to specific wavelengths, facilitating the precise detection of mercury ions, which are toxic even at trace levels,” explained Bhaumik.

Bhaumik further elaborated on the health risks associated with mercury exposure, which can occur through contaminated food, water, inhalation, or skin contact. Such exposure can lead to severe health issues, including damage to the nervous system, organ dysfunction, and cognitive impairments.

The team’s nanocrystals have shown exceptional sensitivity, capable of detecting mercury concentrations as low as a few nanomolar. Importantly, when tested on live mammalian cells, these nanocrystals were found to be non-toxic, preserving cellular function while effectively monitoring mercury ions.

The implications of this research extend beyond mercury detection. The nanocrystals could be instrumental in identifying other toxic metals within biological systems and may also be adapted for drug delivery applications, allowing for real-time monitoring of treatment efficacy, as highlighted by Bhaumik.