GUMBOS-based fluorescent sensor array for acrylamide detection

Overview

Acrylamide is a potentially harmful compound that can form in carbohydrate-rich foods during high-temperature cooking processes, creating a need for reliable, accessible detection methods. This project proposes a fluorescent sensor and sensor array built from GUMBOS (group of uniform materials based on organic salts) and their nanoparticle counterparts, nanoGUMBOS. Because GUMBOS are composed of bulky organic cations and anions, their chemical and physical properties can be precisely tuned through straightforward metathesis reactions. By designing a set of fluorescent GUMBOS with varying hydrophobicity, the platform produces distinct fluorescence signal changes when exposed to acrylamide, enabling sensitive and selective detection suitable for food safety, quality control, and regulatory compliance applications.

Technical specifications

Core technology:

• GUMBOS are ionic organic salts formed by pairing bulky organic cations with bulky organic or inorganic anions
• NanoGUMBOS are nanoparticle formulations of these materials, offering enhanced surface area and optical response
• Chemical and physical properties are tunable via simple ion metathesis reactions, allowing rapid design iteration

Sensor array design:

• A library of fluorescent GUMBOS with systematically varied hydrophobicity produces differential fluorescent responses to acrylamide
• Each sensor element generates a unique signal pattern, enabling discrimination through pattern recognition rather than single-analyte binding
• The array approach reduces false positives common in single-sensor detection methods

Validation approach:

• Analytical standards will be used to calibrate and validate sensor performance
• Existing instrumentation at the research institution supports development and characterization
• Estimated development timeline is one to one-and-a-half years

Technology readiness level

This project is at an early-to-mid stage of development. The principal investigator has prior experience developing GUMBOS-based sensor arrays for volatile organic compounds and proteins, establishing proof-of-concept for the platform. Current work focuses on extending the technology specifically to acrylamide detection. The research team has access to necessary equipment and seeks industry partnership to support chemical procurement and instrumentation fees required for method validation. Upon successful validation, the sensor array would advance toward prototype development and potential integration into food safety testing workflows.