IIT Guwahati's Nanocrystals Detect Trace Mercury

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Scientists at IIT Guwahati developed tiny glowing crystals that flash bright green signals when detecting toxic mercury in water and food supplies.

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These specialized perovskite crystals, measuring 100,000 times tinier than human hair, catch mercury traces down to nanomolar levels with precise accuracy.

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The research team solved moisture sensitivity by wrapping detection crystals in waterproof silica-polymer coating, making them durable for long-term usage.

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Live cell testing proves these nanocrystals safe for biological systems, opening paths for tracking metal toxicity in human body environments.

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The scientific journals - Materials Today Chemistry and Journal of Materials Chemistry C published this breakthrough mercury detection research.

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Prof. Saikat Bhaumik leads this cost-effective detection method, making mercury screening available across multiple testing environments.

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These specialized crystals show capabilities to detect other dangerous metals while tracking medicine movement through human systems for safer treatments.

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Eight researchers across IIT Guwahati and NISER Bhubaneswar contributed to developing this mercury detection technology through collaborative effort.

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