Nanotechnological Breakthrough: Scientists Develop Molecular Sensor 500,000 Times Smaller Than a Human Hair

Scientific research in the field of natural sciences often leads to breakthroughs that impact various aspects of daily life. The recent achievement by Australian nanotechnology scientists serves as an example of such a breakthrough: the creation of a molecular sensor.

Led by Dr. Nadeem Darwish from Curtin University, the team comprises experts from various institutions, including Professor Geoffrey Reimers from the University of Sydney, Associate Professor Daniel Kosov from James Cook University, and Dr. Thomas Fallon from the University of Newcastle. They present a molecular version of the well-known piezoresistor widely used in electronics, cars, smartphones, medicine, and various other fields.

Piezoresistors, broadly recognized as sensors responding to changes in resistance due to mechanical stress, have widespread applications. They operate by detecting pressure or deformation, altering their resistance and providing a signal that can be interpreted by the respective device.

Although traditional piezoresistors have broad applications, scientists sought ways to miniaturize them and enhance sensitivity. In this context, the molecular piezoresistor is considered a crucial step forward. This achievement has led to the creation of a sensor approximately 500,000 times smaller than the width of a human hair. Such technological intricacy may open doors to new possibilities in the field of nanotechnology.

At the core of this sensor is the Bulvalene molecule. When mechanically stretched, it undergoes a reaction, resulting in the formation of a new molecule with a different shape. The shape change directly influences electrical conductivity, a key element in detection. This approach, utilizing isomers – different chemical forms of the same molecule – has been applied for the first time in piezoresistor construction. Simulations conducted by the team allowed for a profound understanding of molecular interactions and their impact on electrical conductivity.

The ability to electrically detect changes in the shape of the reactive molecule at a speed on the order of 1 millisecond is an innovative achievement. Professor Reimers emphasized that the new concept of chemical detection, determining the shape of molecules based on their electrical conductivity, holds immense significance for the future of molecular electronics.

As a result, groundbreaking research in the field of molecular piezoresistors opens many doors. It includes new possibilities in chemical and biological detection, offering potential benefits in the field of medicine through more precise disease detection. In light of this research, the future of chemical sensors, biosensors, and human-machine interfaces seems more advanced than ever before.