Rapid, Sensitive and Selective Sensors for Ionic Mercury, Chlorohydrocarbons, Hydroxy Compounds and Chemical Warfare Agents

Primary Inventors: 

Gregory N. Tew, Ph.D.

Description: 

Novel sensors for rapid, sensitive and selective detection of chemicals

This invention provides novel colorimetric or fluorimetric sensor technologies for rapid, sensitive and selective detection of ionic mercury (mercury [II]), chlorohydrocarbons, hydroxyl compounds and G-type warfare agents. The detection can be implemented using paper strip, dipstick or solution based sensors that are easy and inexpensive to manufacture and convenient to use for "in the field" measurements.

Applications: 
  • Rapid Fluorimetric Sensors for Military and Civil Defense: Portable, convenient and instantaneous “in the field” fluorimetric detection of the reactive-phosphate-based G-type warfare agents using paper strips, dip sticks or fluorimetric solutions. Ultrasensitive fluorimetric detection of the G-type warfare agents using a fluorimeter.
  • Rapid Colorimetric Sensors for Agricultural and Environmental Applications: Portable, convenient and instantaneous “in the field” colorimetric detection of Hg2+, chlorohydrocarbons and hydroxyl compounds using paper strips, dip sticks or colorimetric solutions. Ultrasensitive colorimetric detection of these chemicals using a spectrophotometer.
  • Rapid Colorimetric Sensors for Medical Diagnostics: Convenient testing of blood sugar levels by using a simple glucose meter.
  • Rapid Sensors for Chemical Impurities and Contaminants: “In the field,” laboratory or Industrial detection and quantification of chemical impurities and contaminants.
Advantages: 
  • Rapid and Convenient Detection: The development of paper strip or dipstick based sensors allows rapid, convenient and easy detection. The colorimetric and fluorimetric responses are instantaneous.
  • Superior Sensitivity: These novel sensors allow highly sensitive detection of chemical analytes with detection limits in the ppb to low ppm range. The detection limit for Hg2+ is 2 ppb; the detection limit for G-type warfare agents (sarin surrogate) is below 75 ppb.
  • Superior Selectivity: These novel sensors allow highly selective detection of chemical analytes. The mercury sensors selectively detect Hg2+ over a large number of environmentally relevant ions; chemical warfare agent sensors selectively detect G-type warfare agents over other organophosphate-based agents.
  • Low Manufacturing Costs: The paper strip or dipstick based sensors are easy to manufacture without the need for expensive raw materials and complex manufacturing processes.
Licensing Status: 
Available for Licensing or Sponsored Research
Patent Status: 

Patent Pending - view published US application

Docket: 
UMA 07-02, UMA 07-03 and UMA 07-30

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For More Information: 

Ling X. Shen, Ph.D., M.B.A.
Senior Licensing Officer
Commercial Ventures and Intellectual Property
Phone: 413-545-5276
E-mail: lxshen@research.umass.edu