Researchers Develop Sensor-Based Intelligent Systems for Detecting Explosives

The Institute of Melecular Recognition and Technological Development (IDM) researchers have designed a new intelligent system in their laboratory. This novel system will enable precise and rapid detection of aromatic nitro explosives such as trinitrotoluene (TNT) that remain as contaminants in solutions or soils.

According to a researcher at IDM, Ana Costero, detection of polinitrated explosives (TNT, Tetril, DNT) will be indicated by the change in colorimetric or fluorescent properties within the system’s chemical sensors. ‘Peroxide explosive sensors’ are also being developed that will facilitate the detection of peroxide explosives that are easy-to-prepare compounds and used in terrorist attacks. Polinitrated explosives are used for detecting landmines and in airports.

According to Yolanda Salinas, IDM’s researcher at UPV, Spanish researchers partnered with Danish researchers to develop this system. The new system is more selective, sensitive, and precise when compared to the existing detection systems and therefore serves to be an effective alternative to the existing systems. The outcome of using the system in laboratory trials validates it to be precise, efficient and quick with excellent measurement and analysis efficiency.

Costero said that the research team has been working on this project with special focus on explosives detection since the past three years. Selective colorimetric sensors enable detecting nerve gases.

This novel system is effective for use by security forces for environment protection. It could be transported in a kit for future applications including in situ detection of explosives.

The IDM team presented these results last week during the VI Workshop on Sensors and Molecular Recognition, hosted at Universitat de València.

Source: http://www.ruvid.org/

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