By Rajesh Chander Bali
Government of India’s Institute of Nano-Science and Technology (INST), Mohali has developed a new material which can detect the level of nicotine and cotinine in human body by fluorometric sensing. Fluorometric sensing is a technique that measures various parameters using fluorescent emission.
In the present case, the material, which acts as a sensor, ‘lights-up’ when it comes in contact with nicotine or cotinine, making it useful in health sector to quickly find tobacco exposure and take timely action. Normally, the material shows very weak light, but when it comes in contact through sensor with these harmful chemicals, it starts shining bright. This makes detection very easy and quick as compared to current methods used for the same. With the new technique, even small amounts can be identified quickly and accurately which is very important for healthcare and research.
The material is an Iron-Based Metal-Organic Framework (Fe-MOF) which in simple terms, is a tiny structure made from iron and organic molecules. This structure is extremely small, thousands of times smaller than a human hair and have tiny pores that can trap and interact with other molecules.
The INST Scientist, Monika Singh who has developed this new technology with her research student Arshminder Kaur, said that this is still at in-vitro stage but has been found safe for use in biological systems. Experiments showed that it is biocompatible, meaning it does not harm living cells. This is a major step forward because it allows real-time monitoring at the cellular level. In the longer run, she said, the technique would be used to detect the percentage of nicotine and cotinine in the body even through blood samples.
Another important advantage of this material is that it works well in water and in different conditions. It also does not get affected by other common substances present in the body, which means it gives accurate results. Even after multiple uses, the material continues to perform effectively, making it reusable and cost-efficient.
This research is especially important because it is the first time such a material has been used to detect cotinine with enhanced fluorescence. It opens new possibilities for developing simple testing kits for smokers and even for monitoring second-hand smoke exposure.
The scientist believes that in future, this technology could help doctors, researchers, and health workers to quickly detect tobacco exposure and take timely action. It may also support public health campaigns by providing easy and affordable testing methods. Overall, this innovative material represents a promising step toward better health monitoring and a smoke-free society as millions of people lose their lives due to diseases caused by tobacco every year across the world.
(Writer is an Indian Information Service Officer and is presently posted as Assistant Director, News-cum-Regional News Head, Akashvani, Jalandhar)
