IIT Guwahati Unveils Color Changing Crystals for Biomedical Imaging & Communication

IIT Guwahati created four Organic Co-crystals with broad applications in drug discovery, imaging, therapeutics, fibre-optic communications, and optical devices. These materials can drive advanced technology research, seamlessly integrating with optoelectronic devices and biological systems for innovative applications. 

Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG) researchers have crafted four novel Organic Co-crystal systems, potentially impactful in drug discovery, imaging, therapeutics, fiber-optic communications, and optical devices. Their research was recently published in the esteemed journal Nature Communications.

Co-crystal Technique 

Co-crystal engineering, a method merging compounds for boosted function, spans various domains, including drug development, materials science, next-gen semiconductors, and sustainable chemistry. Yet, a hurdle lies in their typical planar, rigid nature, causing aggregation and quenching (ACQ). This tendency complicates finding compatible pairs and suitable applications.

A breakthrough in this evolving field has been documented through collaborative research, led by Prof Parameswar K Iyer of IIT Guwahati and scientists from the University of Hyderabad and IISc Bengaluru. The IIT Guwahati researchers have formulated four novel organic photo-functional co-crystals that can emit light efficiently with minimal loss.

Moreover, beyond their potential in cancer therapy, these diminutive rod-shaped co-crystals effectively steer light, holding promise for advanced technologies. When deliberately crafted, they could become crucial materials for enhancing communication, especially in high-speed internet through fiber-optic cables. These discoveries pave the way for inventive applications and technologies, achieving significant milestones in the field.

This research has been funded by the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB)-Department of Science and Technology (DST), Department of Electronics and Information Technology (DeitY), Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Max-Planck-Gesellschaft.

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