SCIENTISTS AT Life Technologies and Nanosys have developed advanced fluorescent nanocrystals to help law enforcement officials halt the sale of counterfeit merchandise.
The nanocrystals, or quantam dots, will allow manufacturers to trace the source of their materials, as well as manage and track product shipments.
 "Quantum dots can be used to print codes or patterns on labels that are effectively invisible to the naked eye, but can be used to specifically identify the source of the product as authentic, when visualised with a special detection device. Because multiple quantum dots can be combined together into unique mixtures to make such labels, there are a large number of codes that are possible to make, and the pattern in which they are printed can also be part of the unique identifiers," Vicki Singer, head of global out-licensing for Life Technologies told The News.
"Both Nanosys and Life Technologies have invested years and a lot of resources in developing the fundamental technology itself. In addition, formulations of the quantum dots have been and will be developed by both companies in the future, with specific types of formulations or materials developed for specific customers, to meet their individual needs."
Paul Grossman, a senior Life Technologies VP, explained that the tiny fluorescent particles can be easily "blended" with polymers, gels, or inks and printed onto most materials. In addition, the quantam dots offer significant "advancements" in various fields, including solid state lighting, solar collection and electronic display technology.
"Life Technologies'quantum dots are currently being used in life science research and pathology, but there are vast opportunities to use them in a wide variety of applications. Our new partnership with Nanosys will allow both companies to expand the opportunities for our combined technologies and further the reach of Life Technologies into the applied markets," said Grossman.
It should be noted that the worldwide counterfeit goods trade has reached staggering proportions. According to the UN, counterfeit drug sales totaled over $300 billion in 2008, while the World Customs Organization reported that other counterfeit goods sold for more than $600 billion. The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement bureau estimates that counterfeit goods cost American industries between $200 billion and $250 billion on an annual basis.
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