When we speak of barcodes, we immediately think about those black strips of lines with a combination of numbers and letters found usually at the back of a product. They provide a very unique identification of each inventory, making tracking sales and number of goods sold or in stock easier.
However, "barcodes" can also be used not only to detect the presence of cancer cells but also to reduce crime especially forgery.
These barcodes are very small single crystals that are shaped like rods (like how the real barcodes look like) and come in two colors. They are designed and produced by A*STAR, which operates in certain countries such as in Singapore.
The idea of using barcodes with different colors has been around for some time with very limited success since the crystals themselves, which are made from NaYF4, upconversion materials doped with lanthanide, are miniscule the colors no longer appear very visible under the microscope.
However, the A*STAR team was able to synthesize the materials and expanded the size of the crystals. Now they can be observed including the colors very well.
But how can these barcodes be used in entirely two different applications? The answer lies on the attributes of the crystals. Just like what they did, anyone who wishes to use the same materials may be able to customize the structure and morphology to suit their preferences, needs, and industry. They may also be produced in a larger scale. They are also highly scalable, which may prove economical to the users of these single crystals.
According to the team, the materials may be used to counter forgery and as security inks. When seen under microscopes with high magnification the dual-color microrods become very visible; they are distinguishable under conventional microscope.
They may also be placed inside bodies to spot cancer cells and allow doctors to see images of tumors.
The entire article was published in the A*STAR Singapore website on Wednesday, October 22.