Breakthrough Material discovered for Detecting Methotrexate Overdosage
Context:
Researchers have introduced a highly fluorescent material that offers a non-enzymatic approach to detect the presence of the anticancer drug Methotrexate (MTX), particularly known for its toxicity at elevated dosages.
Relevance:
GS-02 GS-03 (Science & technology, Health)
Highlights:
- Material Details: This innovative material, characterized by outstanding optical properties, is crafted from phosphorene, cystine, and gold (Ph-Cys-Au). It serves as an effective visual sensing platform specifically designed for the identification of MTX overdosage.
- Development Source: Scientists from the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST), an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), spearheaded the development of this novel material.
Significance:
- Methotrexate (MTX) stands as a widely employed anticancer drug.
- When its concentration exceeds 10 µM in blood plasma for an extended period, it poses significant health risks, including lung issues, heart complications, and stomach ulcers.
- The drug’s expensive nature, coupled with the intricacy and time consumption of traditional detection methods, underscores the critical need for swift and sensitive detection through simplified methodologies.
- This breakthrough material opens new possibilities for efficient and timely monitoring of Methotrexate levels, offering a potential solution to the challenges associated with conventional detection techniques.
