Developing new nanobiosensor detection systems

What we are doing

We are creating new ways for law enforcement and forensic scientists to detect illicit drugs, explosives and bodily fluids at the scene using simple nanoparticle based sensors adapted and functionalised for the specific target compounds. tests.

Why we are doing it

We want to make the detection of drugs, explosives and bodily fluids faster, cheaper and more sensitive. The new tests will allow the analysis to take place at the scene to aid the evidence collection and minimise contamination, aiding the justice process.

How we will do it

The project will involve the creation of several new detection tools which make use of nanoparticle sensors and chromogenic (creation of colour) substrates.  This will allow us to develop sensitive and selective detectors for use as both presumptive and confirmatory tests which are tuned to very specific target compounds identifying for example, different body fluids, drug compounds or explosives.