Hydrazine has nowhere to hide
Hydrazine is used in in many different applications – as the gas-forming agent in air bags, in power plants to reduce corrosion and even as fuel for satellites and rockets. But care must be taken when using it as it is highly toxic to humans.
The new sensor uses a naphthalimide derivative that binds specifically to hydrazine and undergoes a hydrazine-induced cyclisation, which causes a visible colour change. The scientists showed that this on-off fluorescent response could be used to selectively detect hydrazine in water and air. They also showed that the sensor is sufficiently biocompatible to detect the chemical in living cells.
Most read news
Other news from the department science
Get the life science industry in your inbox
From now on, don't miss a thing: Our newsletter for biotechnology, pharma and life sciences brings you up to date every Tuesday and Thursday. The latest industry news, product highlights and innovations - compact and easy to understand in your inbox. Researched by us so you don't have to.