Sydney, Sep 25 (Inditop.com) Researchers are developing a technique to provide unparalleled ability to explore environments as diverse as oceans and the human body.
Using ion-selective electrode technology, Curtin University of Technology researchers are working on a hand-held or implantable device, using self-calibrating sensors that will be able to cheaply and easily monitor pollution in rivers and oceans, or heparin levels as a clotting factor in blood.
Eric Bakker, professor of nanochemistry and director of Curtin’s Nanochemistry Research Institute and study co-author, said the successful development of the sensors would make Australia a leader in ion-selective sensor technology.
Although ion-selective electrode technology, and the sensors that are derived from it, have been around, Curtin research will help make the sensors more accurate, powerful and independent from human control, said a Curtin release.
“Modern equipment already allows us to conduct tests close to the site with sensor technology, but the instrument is bulky and costly, because of the need to recalibrate the systems on a regular basis,” Bakker said.
De Marco, Curtin professor of chemistry, said the range of applications for this technology is almost boundless.
“These self-calibrating sensors will ultimately provide researchers and medical practitioners with the ability to conduct a greater range of environmental and medical monitoring,” he said.
