From Lab to Real‑World Security: Chemical Detection Research:
At Cranfield University, Dr. Licia Dossi, Senior Lecturer and Chartered Scientist of the Royal Society of Chemistry, leads pioneering research in chemical detection, synthetic polymer chemistry, and energetic materials. Her work spans academic teaching, project management, and collaboration with public and private sectors, including leading the UK Centre of Excellence in Energetic Materials (CoEEM) – Explosives Detection Hub. The team’s projects combine scientific innovation with practical applications in security and environmental monitoring.
The GeSiM Nano‑Plotter™ microarray printer plays a central role in this research, enabling the fabrication of colorimetric chips used to detect common and illicit chemicals, aerosols, bioaerosols, and even pesticide residues in archival items. This technology supports the development of sensors that help prevent harm to people and infrastructure, contributing to safer communities and improved environmental and heritage protection.
The colorimetric sensing technology has gained wider attention through its integration into a prototype “sniffer dog” device. This system detects vapors from illicit chemicals by producing a unique pattern of colored dots on a microchip, patterns interpreted by machine‑learning algorithms. The approach offers a fast, low‑cost alternative to traditional detection tools and has potential applications in customs, law enforcement, and security screening. Its interdisciplinary development spans organic chemistry, engineering, microfabrication, and signal processing, demonstrating the broad scientific impact of Cranfield’s work.
We’re proud to see our technology supporting such impactful work. For readers interested in a deeper look at Cranfield University’s research and Dr. Dossi’s insights, our UK distributor Analytik has published a detailed Customer Success Story, available at the bottom of this article.
Image taken from Cranfield University. “‘Sniffer dog’ device to feature at London art exhibition.” Press Release PR-CDS-23-94, 6 November 2023.