Nanotech sensors embeded in facbrics to identify underwater contamination

A research team from the University of San Diego at La Jolla, California has developed a nanomaterials-based sensor that could be attached to the outside of the wetsuit worn by a diver to detect ocean contamination or underwater explosives. In this application, the sensor is attached to the neoprene material that flexes and stretches and functions under water. The sensor sends signals to an electronic potentiostat, built on a small 19 mm x 19 mm board that has a battery at its back. This assembly is inside the wetsuit.

Printable Sensors for wetsuit

The sensor, which consists of an array of silver electrodes, is printed directly on the neoprene material. A carbon ink layer containing enzymes to detect the potential contaminant is coated onto the electrodes. The sensor functions by applying a voltage to the contaminant and measuring the current flow. For example, to detect the industrial pollutant phenol in seawater, the enzyme tyrosinase is used. The elctronics system provides a visual alert (such as an LED changing from green to red) and can also trigger an alarm if the contaminant threshold is above a limit.

The La Jolla team has experimented with sensors for three potential contaminants. Apart from the phenol sensor, they have developed sensors for heavy metals such as copper and for the explosive TNT. Professor Wang says that it is possible to use an array of electrodes each with its own reagent to detect multiple hazards.

The US Navy has part funded this research. They are interested because after the attack on USS Cole in 2000 , they need to send divers down to inspect for potential explosives risk to ship hulls besides contamination of seawater by metal flakes from the paint on the ship hulls. Currently, the diver needs to carry a portable analyzer under water.

The University of San Diego has applied for a patent for this sensor and has begun discussion with a Fortune 500 company for licensing this technology. Nanomaterials based sensors have been widely used in medical applications for many years. The most prevalent of these is the glucose monitors that are embedded under the skin for management of acute diabetes. This one application is globally a $10 billion market. Other applications include an injectable liquid with nanoparticles to help localize tumors. Nanosensors have also been used for detection of exposure to radiation in astronauts.

Via: UCSanDiego