IIT Guwahati Pioneers Nanomaterial for Mercury Detection in Cells and Environment

IIT Guwahati Pioneers Nanomaterial for Mercury Detection in Cells and Environment

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Sanjana
Sanjana Surbhi
Assistant Manager
New Delhi, Updated on Jan 29, 2025 12:55 IST

IIT Guwahati has pioneered the development of a cutting-edge nanomaterial designed for the detection of mercury in both biological cells and the environment.

IIT Guwahati Pioneers Nanomaterial for Mercury Detection

IIT Guwahati Pioneers Nanomaterial for Mercury Detection

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, led by Prof. Saikat Bhaumik, Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics, in collaboration with Prof. Chandan Goswami, Associate Professor at NISER Bhubaneswar, have developed an innovative, cost-effective approach for detecting harmful metals like mercury in living cells and the environment. This breakthrough has the potential to transform disease diagnostics and environmental monitoring by significantly enhancing the detection and management of metal toxicity in biological systems.

The research is perovskite nanocrystals, advanced materials renowned for their remarkable properties, which make them highly suitable for detecting metal ions. These nanocrystals, around 100,000 times smaller than a human hair, interact with light in unique ways, allowing them to function as fluorescent probes within living cells. However, their rapid degradation in water has previously restricted their practical applications.

To address this, the researchers encapsulated the perovskite nanocrystals in silica and polymer coatings, significantly enhancing their stability and luminescent intensity in water. This modification ensures the nanocrystals maintain their functionality over extended periods, making them highly effective for practical use.

Commenting on the breakthrough, Prof. Saikat Bhaumik, Assistant Professor, Department of Physics, IIT Guwahati, said, “One of the standout features of these perovskite nanocrystals is their narrow emission linewidth, which is desirable for improving the sensitivity due to the high signal-to-noise ratio for metallic detection. Traditional imaging methods often struggle with light scattering, making it difficult to capture clear images from deeper cell layers. The ability of the perovskite nanocrystals to undergo multiphoton absorption overcomes this limitation, allowing for sharper and more detailed imaging. These properties make them ideal for advanced fluorescence imaging in medical and biological research.”

The applications of this research go beyond mercury detection. These nanocrystals could be crucial in identifying other toxic metals in biological systems and have the potential to be adapted for drug delivery, allowing real-time monitoring of treatment effectiveness.

Q:   Is IIT Guwahati good for BTech?

A:

NIRF ranked IIT Guwahati 7 under the “Engineering” category in 2023. According to media reports, a total of 712 students were placed till Dec 6 during IIT Guwahati placements 2024. Further, the highest international and domestic package offered during IIT Guwahati placements 2024 stood at INR 2.05 Crore per annum and INR 1.20 Crore per annum, respectively.

Q:   Is it worth pursuing Ph.D. at IIT Guwahati?

A:
{Source: Ph.D. students & alumni}

Is It Worth Pursuing a PhD at IIT Guwahati?

Here's a summary of what current students and alumni have to say:

# Infrastructure and Facilities

* Good infrastructure and facilities, including well-maintained laboratories and libraries
* Hostel amenities include a separate mess, canteens, and medical facilities
* Sports facilities are available, and physical fitness is promoted

# Faculty and Teaching Quality

* Helpful, well-qualified, and knowledgeable professors
* Teaching quality is good, and professors make efforts to explain complex concepts
* Faculty is approachable, and students appreciate their guidance

# Placements and Internships

* Around 70% of students are placed, with packages ranging from INR4 LPA to INR13 LPA
* Top recruiters include Wipro, Microsoft, and Google
* About 75% of students get internships, and some receive stipends
* Research-oriented roles are also available

# Course Curriculum and Relevance

* Curriculum is relevant to the industry, making students "industry-ready"
* Courses are designed to promote problem-solving skills and critical thinking

# Student Life and Support

* Aesthetic hostels with comfortable living conditions
* Availability of extracurricular activities, including festivals and events
* Strong sense of community among students

Overall, while individual experiences may vary, IIT Guwahati seems to offer a supportive environment, good infrastructure, and strong faculty-student relationships. However, it's essential to weigh these benefits against personal goals and expectations before making a decision.

Remember to consider factors like research opportunities, funding, and career prospects when evaluating the program's suitability for your needs.

If you're still unsure, we recommend reaching out to the university directly or speaking with current students or alumni to gain a deeper understanding of their experiences.

Q:   When was the JoSAA 2024 counselling started?

A:

The JoSAA 2024 registration process started on June 10, 2024. There will be five rounds of JoSAA counselling. JoSAA released Rounds 1 and 2 seat allocation results and cutoffs. Knowledge of JoSAA dates 2024 helps candidates keep a check on the major deadlines, like the last date of registration. It is best to regularly check the official JoSAA website for the latest updates and announcements regarding the 2024 counselling schedule. Additionally, the candidates must keep visiting this space for the latest updates related to JoSAA counselling.

The findings of this research have been published in prestigious journals, including the Journal of Materials Chemistry C and Materials Today Chemistry. The articles were co-authored by Prof. Saikat Bhaumik and his research team, which includes Prof. Chandan Goswami, Ashutosh Mohapatra, Kajol Sahoo, Tusar Kanta Acharya, Satish Kumar, and Nishant Kumar Dubey.

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Sanjana Surbhi
Assistant Manager

Sanjana Surbhi has over five years of experience in the online education sector. Drawing from her tenure with ed-tech companies, she infuses her work with a wealth of knowledge from the education realm, lending an i... Read Full Bio

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