The Government of India’s Institute of Nano-Science and Technology (INST), Mohali has developed a new material that can detect the level of nicotine and cotinine in the human body through fluorometric sensing. Fluorometric sensing is a technique that measures various parameters using fluorescent emission.
In the present case, the material, which acts as a sensor, ‘lights up’ when it comes in contact with nicotine or cotinine, making it useful in the healthcare sector to quickly identify tobacco exposure and enable timely intervention. Normally, the material emits very weak light, but when it comes into contact with these harmful chemicals, it starts glowing brightly. This makes detection much easier and faster compared to existing methods.
With the new technique, even very small amounts of nicotine and cotinine can be identified quickly and accurately, which is highly important for healthcare and research.
The material is an Iron-Based Metal-Organic Framework (Fe-MOF). In simple terms, it is a tiny structure made from iron and organic molecules. This structure is extremely small—thousands of times thinner than a human hair—and contains tiny pores that can trap and interact with other molecules.
INST scientist Monika Singh, who developed this technology along with her research student Arshminder Kaur, said that the innovation is currently at the in-vitro stage but has been found safe for use in biological systems. Experiments showed that it is biocompatible, meaning it does not harm living cells. This is a significant advancement because it enables real-time monitoring at the cellular level.
In the long run, she said, the technique could be used to detect the percentage of nicotine and cotinine in the body through blood samples.
Another important advantage of this material is that it works effectively in water and under different conditions. It is also unaffected by other common substances present in the body, ensuring accurate results. Even after repeated use, the material continues to perform efficiently, making it both reusable and cost-effective.
This research is particularly significant because it is the first time such a material has been used to detect cotinine with enhanced fluorescence. It opens new possibilities for developing simple testing kits for smokers and for monitoring exposure to second-hand smoke.
The researchers believe that in the future, this technology could help doctors, researchers, and health workers quickly detect tobacco exposure and take timely action. It may also support public health campaigns by providing easy and affordable testing methods.
Overall, this innovative material represents a promising step toward better health monitoring and a smoke-free society, especially as millions of people worldwide lose their lives each year due to tobacco-related diseases.