Crystal Clear: Liquid crystal sensor plays nature’s game
Thanks to billions of years of evolution, cells are remarkably adept at detecting pathogens or toxic chemicals in the environment. Taking advantage of this natural surveillance capability, researchers have incorporated components of cell membranes into sensors to sniff out dangerous chemical and biological agents.
Led by chemical engineer Nicholas L. Abbott at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, the researchers placed a layer of phospholipids–the fatty acids constituting cell membranes–on top of a liquid crystal. “These are the same liquid crystals you find in laptop-computer displays,” says Abbott.