An inexpensive, field-portable, highly sensitive electrochemical sensing system to measure heavy metals in biological and environmental samples has been developed at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL). The system—no larger than a lunch box and weighing approximately 5.5 kg—employs two basic types of functionalized nanomaterials also developed at PNNL to reliably detect toxic metals in biological or environmental samples at a parts-per-billion level.
The PNNL system has been compared to inductively coupled mass spectrometry, the gold-standard measurement for heavy metals, and has consistently demonstrated comparable toxic heavy metal detection performance. Using self-assembled monolayer on mesoporous supports (SAMMS®) or functionalized magnetic nanoparticles, the system can be adapted for use in detecting the presence of lead, cadmium, and other hazardous elements in water, saliva, urine, and blood samples. This is especially critical for high-risk populations, including industrial workers, children and people living in polluted areas.
Advantages
- Delivers reliable measurements within two-to-five minutes using a small sample such as the blood from a simple finger prick.
- Potentially provides a faster, simpler, portable method of monitoring toxic metal exposures in high-risk populations.
- Costs up to ten times less than other current state-of-the-art plasma, mass spectrometry systems.
Partners are sought to further develop the technology into a commercial prototype for field deployment.
More info: http://availabletechnologies.pnl.gov/technology.asp?id=238
