Guwahati, May 19: Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati have developed a highly sensitive fluorescent sensor that can detect the presence of cyanide in water and human cells using ultraviolet (UV) light, officials said.

The newly developed sensor changes colour and emits bright fluorescence when it detects cyanide, making it useful for environmental monitoring, medical diagnostics, and forensic investigations. It has shown promising results in real-world samples such as river water and breast cancer cells and can be used with portable paper strips for quick testing.

The research, published in the journal Spectrochimica Acta Part A: Molecular and Biomolecular Spectroscopy, also indicates the sensor’s potential for use in smart digital devices through integration with logic circuits.

G. Krishnamoorthy, Professor at IIT Guwahati’s Department of Chemistry, said that cyanide is a highly toxic compound used in various industries and poses serious risks when improperly disposed of, contaminating water sources and affecting human health even in small amounts.

The team’s sensor, which displays a “turn-on” fluorescence response, emits a weak blue glow under UV light that shifts to bright cyan in the presence of cyanide. It was found to be accurate in the range of 75–93 percent in river and tap water samples and effective in live cell imaging.

Advanced lab experiments and Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations confirmed the sensing mechanism. The research team is now working to develop a simple test kit for wider application in environmental, industrial, and healthcare settings.

The team included professors Bithiah Grace Jaganathan and G. Krishnamoorthy, along with research scholars Mongoli Brahma, Arup Das Kanungo, Minati Das, and Sam P. Mathew.