Sensor Glove IDs Toxins

Workers and technicians in chemistry laboratories, semiconductor manufacturing, and other industries handle a variety of toxic substances that cannot be seen or smelled. Highly sensitive measuring equipment and infrared cameras are often used to detect the presence of toxins, but a new glove that changes color when exposed to hazardous materials could provide another level of safety.

Sensor particles that are custom-made to react to specific analytes can be embedded into fabrics using common techniques such as dipping and screen-printing. In the future, a miniaturized sensor module could measure, record, store and even transmit information regarding the concentration of toxins as well as the frequency of exposure.

Other applications for this technology include integrating sensors into food packaging (for example wrappers or bottle caps) to detect spoilage.