Materials scientist Dorina Sava Gallis shows a sample of an optical tag with the Sandia National Laboratories logo under an ultraviolet light. (Photo by Craig Fritz) Click on the thumbnail for a high-resolution image.
A high-tech invisible ink invented at Sandia National Laboratories could become the newest tool for stopping counterfeit goods. The research team is now seeking partnerships to help develop and ultimately commercialize the new technology.
Beyond their negative economic impact, counterfeit goods can threaten public health. In 2022, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration seized more than 58.4 million fentanyl-laced fake pills. Six out of 10 pills the administration tested contained potentially lethal doses of fentanyl, according to its website.
This year, fentanyl-laced medicine was reported to have been sold in some northern Mexican pharmacies.
Sandia's inks offer a new way to mark authentic pill bottles and other goods, which could help legitimate companies get ahead of fraudsters and keep consumers safe.
"The development of new technologies that can effectively ensure asset safety and security, as well as integrity-checking throughout a product's lifecycle in this ever-evolving landscape, is critical," said materials scientist Dorina Sava Gallis, who leads the research.
Researchers and organizations interested in partnering with Sandia National Laboratories in the development of metal-organic framework optical tags are invited to visit sandia.gov/working-with-sandia
