14 DAY TRIAL // A group of investigators from the University of Burgos, led by expert José Miguel García, announces the development of a new sensor that can be used to measure iron concentrations in a variety of solutions, including human blood.
The approach is very simple, since it only requires a material capable of changing its color and a series of photos taken via a regular smartphone. In addition, it does not require specialized equipment and a scientific laboratory to work properly. A full test takes just 15 minutes to complete.
The team was able to develop this device by using a stable iron chelator called 8-hydroxyquinoline. The chemical is placed on a polymer disk, which is then doused in whatever solution experts need analyzing. The chelator will change color depending on how much iron it binds to, Chemistry World reports.
Researchers now plan to extend their work even further. They plan to see if they can use similar chemicals to discover explosive agents. Another potential use would be in medicine, where the concentrations of various substances could be observed almost in real-time.