An inexpensive, real-time sensor technology harnesses living DNA to detect dangerous metals such as lead, mercury and cadmium. Developed by researchers at the University of Illinois, the DNA sensors immediately react to the presence of specific metals by emitting light into an inexpensive fiber-optic lens.
Traditional methods require lengthy batch testing or expensive instrumentation.
Genetic algorithms were used to discover the specific required DNA strands required to detect specific metals from within a population of trillions of random DNA sequences. Engineers could benefit from this method by designing their own DNA strands that would test in real-time for specific metallic substances. Lu was assisted by graduate student Jing Li, co-author of their recent paper in the Journal of the American Chemical Society. The process patent is pending. Lu's technology harnesses the human body's ability to detect specific kinds of molecules and orchestrate responses in real-time.