Breakthrough Science

In 2017, researchers in Simon Humphrey’s group at The University of Texas at Austin, led in the lab by Sam Dunning, introduced PCM-22, a fluorescent lanthanide metal-organic framework. PCM-22 senses water in organic solvents and can distinguish H₂O from D₂O. Its signal appears as a clear color change,

which enables accurate quantitative sensing as compared to sensors that only change in intensity. This discovery catalyzed the founding of Lantha, Inc., to commercialize a robust, solid-state platform for simple, single-use chemical sensors that reduce reliance on time-consuming lab methods.

Lantha Language

What is PCM-22?

PCM-22 (Phosphine Coordination Material 22) is a metal-organic framework made by linking lanthanide ions to a phosphorus containing organic molecule, creating a crystalline, porous solid that is fluorescent. Mixed-lanthanide versions (for example Eu and Tb) show clear color changes in their fluorescence when small amounts of water are present, which enables quantitative trace-water analysis and practical checks of chemical purity in heavy water and in common organic solvents.

What is a MOF?

A metal-organic framework (MOF) is a crystalline material built by linking metal ions with organic molecules called linkers, forming an extremely porous, 3D network with a huge internal surface area.

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have become a major focus in materials chemistry, explored in thousands of variations for gas storage, separations, catalysis, and water harvesting. The 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry to Susumu Kitagawa, Richard Robson, and Omar M. Yaghi acknowledged the field’s scientific importance and practical potential.

What are Lanthanides?

Lanthanides, sometimes called “rare earth elements,” are the 15 elements from lanthanum (La) to lutetium (Lu). They are reactive, silvery metals that usually form +3 ions and occur together in minerals. Some of the lanthanides are fluorescent, however, on their own, they emit very weakly because 4f to 4f transitions are “forbidden.” In materials like PCM-22, the organic linker acts as an antenna: it absorbs UV light and transfers the energy to certain lanthanides such as Tb³⁺ and Eu³⁺, making their green and red emissions bright.

Sensing with PCM-22

PCM-22 is a porous, fluorescent crystal. Molecules from the surrounding liquid enter its pores and interact with lanthanide emitters inside. When exposed to UV light, the framework’s linker absorbs the excitation and transfers energy to the lanthanides, which then emit visible light.

In mixed-lanthanide form, PCM-22 shows ratiometric emission that shifts from red to green as water concentration increases. This built-in color change provides an internal reference: the green-to-red ratio remains consistent even when overall brightness varies. As a result, PCM-22 reports changes in water content rather than fluctuations from excitation power, alignment, or sensor concentration that can distort intensity-based measurements.

FAQs

Technical Performance

Workflow Considerations

Maintenance & Support

What is the detection limit?

The limit of detection for H2O in high-purity D2O is 1 wt%. In the low-purity regime, the limit of detection for residual D2O in H2O is 9 wt%.

How precise and repeatable are the measurements?

Our measurements are highly repeatable across the full D₂O concentration range. For high-purity samples (>90 wt% D₂O), the typical precision is about ±0.4 wt% for a single measurement; in the mid-range (30–90 wt% D₂O), it is about ±1.1 wt%; and for low-purity samples (0–30 wt% D₂O), it is about ±3.1 wt%.

What is the concentration range it can measure?

The method is designed for neat H₂O/D₂O mixtures across the full range from essentially pure H₂O (0 wt% D₂O) up to high-purity D₂O (>90 wt% D₂O). We specify performance over three ranges: 0–30 wt% D₂O, 30–90 wt% D₂O, and >90 wt% D₂O.

Is the platform sensitive to impurities?

Our tests are robust to common impurities found in real-world heavy water streams. In internal testing with D₂O/H₂O mixtures containing up to 4000 ppm gadolinium and 5000 ppm boron, gadolinium had negligible impact on the reported D₂O concentration, while boron caused at most ~3% deviation. Additionally the LanthaLux remained more reliable than density-based measurements for all measured impurities.

How frequent is calibration and what standards are needed?

Each new batch of tests requires a short calibration before use, performed with our calibration kit, which contains 12 D₂O/H₂O standards spanning the relevant concentration range (including high-purity D₂O). After that initial setup, we recommend recalibrating the system at least once per month, or sooner if your internal QA/QC procedures indicate drift or if you change the concentration range you are measuring; we also recommend ordering the appropriate number of calibration kits with each new shipment of tests to support your planned testing volume and calibration schedule.

Can the platform handle high sample volumes efficiently?

Yes. Because each analysis takes about 20 seconds and requires only 0.5 mL of sample, users can process many samples per hour in routine operation. Automated data capture and reporting further support high-throughput workflows.

What level of training is required and provided?

The LanthaLux is designed so that users can obtain accurate results without specialized analytical training or a full laboratory setup. Most users are comfortable after a short orientation covering how to load the sample, run a one-click measurement, and review the automated results.

What is the required sample size and preparation for each test?

Each test requires approximately 0.5 mL of a D₂O/H₂O liquid sample.

What does using the platform entail?

Using our platform is straightforward: you inject 0.5 mL of your D₂O/H₂O sample into the LanthaCell, insert the LanthaCell into the LanthaLux, and start a one-click measurement from the connected interface. The device excites the sensor optically and returns a D₂O concentration reading in under 20 seconds, with results automatically logged.

Does Lantha offer regular software updates?

Yes. LuxCtrl software updates are free for all existing customers. Updates include usability improvements, new features, and performance refinements. You’ll be notified when an update is available and can install it at your convenience.

Are consumables, replacement parts, and reagents readily available?

Yes. Calibration standards are available to order whenever you need to re-verify performance. If a hardware issue arises within the 3-year warranty, we’ll ship a replacement unit to minimize downtime and coordinate an RMA for the original. Spare accessories and replacement parts are stocked and easy to request through our team.

What is the process for customer support: training, troubleshooting, etc.?

Purchase of our platform includes onboarding and training, delivered on-site or virtually to fit your team. If questions come up, we can help with quick troubleshooting, method setup, and data interpretation. You can reach us via email or video call, and we’ll coordinate live help as needed.

What is the expected lifespan of the platform and how frequently does it require maintenance?

The LanthaLux is built to run for years. There are no scheduled maintenance intervals required for normal operation.

News

Nobel Prize

Susumu Kitagawa, Richard Robson and Omar M. Yaghi are awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2025 for the development of a new type of molecular architecture. The constructions they created – metal–organic frameworks – contain large cavities in which molecules can flow in and out. Researchers have used them to harvest water from desert air, extract pollutants from water, capture carbon dioxide and store hydrogen.

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Innovation to Implementation

Lantha’s platform unites application-specific sensors, a purpose-built fluorimeter, and intuitive software into a cohesive system that turns fluorescence into clear, quantitative answers.

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