Prof. A. Ajayaghosh, a scientist with the National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology, has won the Infosys Prize 2012 in physical sciences for his pioneering research in the field of supramolecular architecture. This research can play a key role in early cancer diagnosis and in the early detection of the presence of different kinds of explosives.
Explaining the details of this innovation, Prof. Ajayaghosh explained, “We assemble molecules using weak forces in order to create different kinds of architecture in varying sizes and shapes. This special class of molecules, called pi-systems, can communicate with each other and when they do so, they undergo a change in their properties which can be utilised for different applications.”
Explaining this in greater detail, he said, “Different types of molecules have different inherent properties. Some emit lights which are fluorescent and have a potential for photonic and electronic applications.”
This molecular architecture can be used for different kinds of detection, including the detection of explosives used, for example in terrorist activities, the scientist pointed out.
Equally significantly, it can be used in medical diagnostics, especially the detection of cancer. At present, cancer detection often takes place in the final stages. “The present discovery uses an electronic device which is non-invasive to ensure detection at an early stage,” said Prof. Ajayaghosh.
Explaining how it works, Prof. Ajayaghosh said, “Cancer produces toxins and these molecules can be used as a marker to detect that disease.”
Other applications include making sensitive documents tamper-free and also to prevent duplication of currency.
“Currencies have several security features, but today these security features can get broken, resulting in duplication. In the same way, with sensitive documents, we can create a blue florescence colour which is put on the document but which cannot be seen with the naked eye. Any attempt to tamper it will result in the colour changing to green and red,” he said.
Prof. Ajayaghosh has been working in this field for the last 15 years. “I was one of the first to enter this challenging area but over the years, many scientists are working in this field,” he said. Prof. Ajayaghosh is among seven scientists chosen for the Infosys award.