North News
New Delhi, October 30
Indian researchers have developed an innovative anti-counterfeiting ink using luminescent nanomaterials to help prevent duplication in currency, certificates, branded products, and medicines, the Ministry of Science and Technology said on Wednesday. Created by the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), the ink employs rare earth ions and bismuth, enhancing security through distinctive, light-dependent color shifts.
INST scientists synthesized the luminescent nanomaterial using a co-precipitation method at 120°C, dispersing it into PVC ink to create screen-printed patterns that change color under specific light wavelengths. The ink exhibits vibrant blue under UV light (365 nm), pink under 395 nm, and orange-red under near-infrared (980 nm), making counterfeit reproduction challenging.
This ink’s stability across different environmental conditions offers an advanced solution beyond standard covert UV tags. Its broad application could empower manufacturers and consumers to detect counterfeits with ease, according to the ministry.
