Singapore develops world-first fluorescent nanosensor to track gut health

It delivers optical readouts within minutes.

Singapore has developed a fluorescent nanosensor to detect indole-3-propionic acid (IPA), a gut microbiome-derived metabolite studied as a biomarker of gut-related biology and broader health states.

This is the first optical nanosensor specifically engineered to detect IPA, which has been associated in research with inflammation, metabolic disorders, and chronic diseases, according to a press release.

Unlike conventional methods, which often require lengthy processing times, the fluorescent nanosensor delivers optical readouts within minutes.

By enabling rapid optical detection, the nanosensor could help accelerate the measurement of IPA in research and, subject to clinical validation, may support future monitoring applications.

It was developed by the National Institute of Education NTU, Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology, National University Hospital and National University of Singapore.