Fluorescent metallic nanoclusters for rapid acrylamide detection in aqueous solutions
Fluorescence-based sensing using engineered metallic nanoclusters to detect acrylamide in water through measurable shifts and intensity changes in fluorescence emission. Acrylamide binding to the nanocluster surface produces an optical response with an emission peak red-shift of about 10 nm and peak narrowing, enabling detection down to 0.0142 ppb in 10 minutes or less for fast screening in food safety and water quality monitoring.
Overview
This technology provides a rapid, fluorescence-based method for detecting acrylamide in aqueous solutions using specially engineered metallic nanoclusters. Acrylamide is a known health concern that can form in certain cooked foods and appear in drinking water, making sensitive detection important for food safety and water quality monitoring. The approach relies on the interaction between acrylamide molecules and the surface of metallic nanoclusters, which produces detectable changes in optical properties. When acrylamide binds to the nanocluster surface, the fluorescence emission peak red-shifts by approximately 10 nm and narrows, providing a clear optical signal. The technology has demonstrated a detection limit as low as 0.0142 ppb and produces results within 10 minutes or less, making it suitable for fast screening applications.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Metallic nanoclusters synthesized in solution that exhibit fluorescence sensitive to surface binding events
- Detection mechanism based on a ~10 nm red-shift in fluorescence emission peak upon acrylamide binding
- Narrowing of the emission peak (reduced full width at half-maximum) as an additional detection signal
- Alternative metallic compositions yield intensity-based fluorescence changes, expanding design flexibility
- Detection limit of 0.0142 ppb in aqueous solution
- Response time of 10 minutes or less
- Currently provides a binary (presence/absence) response rather than fully quantitative concentration measurement
Technology readiness level
The technology has been validated through laboratory synthesis and testing of metallic nanoclusters mixed with aqueous acrylamide solutions at known concentrations. Initial validation has confirmed both the red-shift and intensity-change detection modes. Near-term development plans include advancing the system toward quantitative concentration measurement by adjusting metallic composition and ligand chemistry. Additional planned work includes testing in complex aqueous matrices containing other drinking water components to assess selectivity and robustness in real-world samples. The technology is at an early-to-mid stage of development and is well suited for sponsored research partnerships aimed at quantitative sensing and commercial pathway development.
About University of Utah
The University of Utah is a comprehensive public research university in Salt Lake City, paired with the resources of a major academic medical center. Industry partners engage through an on-campus research and technology park that co-locates companies with faculty labs and shared core facilities. Clinical integration supports large-scale trials and translation, while proximity to Silicon Slopes expands access to regional innovation partners. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from NIH and NSF, with additional awards from DOE and the Department of Defense. A dedicated technology commercialization office manages IP, licensing, startup formation, and corporate engagement, with incubator space in the research park.
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