Rapid and sensitive detection of toxic, hazardous, and illegal chemicals is of paramount importance in effectively mitigating threats to public security and health. Significant effort has been dedicated to developing methods for analysis of chemical threats based on mass spectrometry, liquid chromatography, and electrochemistry. While these methods offer sensitive detection, they are hampered by the need for time-consuming and power-intensive laboratory instruments, as well as expert technical interpretation, which prevents their use as portable devices. This limitation compromises our ability to identify potential hazards and respond effectively to emergencies. Hence, there is an urgent need for technological innovation in the design of rapid, portable, and easy-to-interpret devices to accelerate progress in chemical detection and monitoring.
In response to this pressing need, this project unites leading scientists with complementary expertise in synthetic supramolecular chemistry, polymeric materials, optical engineering, data science and AI to deliver a ground-breaking portable sensing device for the rapid identification and localisation of chemical threats, vital for enhancing national security and defence capabilities.
Our innovative approach involves the development of specially designed luminescent molecular probes based on rare-earth elements, which emit light with distinct colour changes upon recognition of specific chemicals in liquid or vapour. This capability enables rapid and intuitive interpretation by end-users, facilitating prompt decision-making in critical situations. These probes will be synthesized from macrocyclic ligands containing recognition units to complement the shape, size, and/or reactivity of specific chemicals.
The probes will be immobilised within stable porous hydrogels to enable rapid diffusion of the chemical vapour, ensuring fast binding. Furthermore, we will integrate LED optics within the hydrogel sensor to enhance the device's functionality, enabling efficient excitation with light, and detection of the probe's emitted light upon recognition of the chemical target. Crucially, this eliminates the need for cumbersome, labour-intensive laboratory equipment and specialized expertise, streamlining the detection process. By harnessing the unique selectivity, sensitivity, and emission characteristics of the molecular probes, our device offers unprecedented insights into the concentration and spatial distribution of chemical threats in real-time, empowering end-users to take swift and effective action to mitigate risks to public safety and national security.
This project brings scientific disciplines together where they will work side-by-side to ensure that scientific advances are rapidly translated into real-world sensing applications. The potential impact of this innovation on national security and defence is profound. It will equip first responders with a versatile, portable sensor capable of real-time detection and localisation of chemical threats, thereby enhancing situational awareness and response effectiveness. By expediting chemical threat identification and response measures, our sensing device will mitigate risks associated with chemical incidents, safeguarding both civilian populations and critical infrastructure.
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