BOONE, N.C. — Faculty members and student researchers from Appalachian State University's Department of Chemistry and Fermentation Sciences have co-authored a new peer-reviewed paper published in the Journal of Molecular Structure titled, "Trapping G-type nerve gas agents via weak interactions with a rhodamine-B based sensor."
The research team developed and evaluated a fluorescent sensor capable of detecting certain nerve agent mimics through weak, reversible molecular interactions. Unlike many previously reported sensors that rely on irreversible chemical reactions, the sensor described in the study can trap target molecules without forming permanent chemical bonds, creating the potential for reuse.
The publication's authors include App State faculty members Dr. Aruna Weerasinghe, Dr. Michael Reddish, Dr. Christian Wallen, and Dr. Jefferson Bates, as well as several student researchers:
Calvin Arthur '24, chemistry
Seth Brahney '25, chemistry
Heiden Kristoffersen '25, chemistry
Elizabeth Norman '23, anthropology and chemistry
Finn O'Hara '25, chemistry
Kennedy Williams '22, exercise science
The study was completed in collaboration with Dr. Will Lynch of Georgia Southern University.
According to the authors, the sensor demonstrated strong responsiveness to a common nerve agent mimic while showing limited response to several related compounds, helping to establish its selectivity and potential utility in chemical sensing applications. The project combined experimental chemistry with computational modeling to better understand how the sensor interacts with target molecules, revealing that a minimum interaction strength between sensor and analyte is required to trigger fluorescence.
The research was supported by App State's Office of Student Research.
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About the A.R. Smith Department of Chemistry and Fermentation Sciences
The A.R. Smith Department of Chemistry and Fermentation Sciences offers a Bachelor of Arts in chemistry, a Bachelor of Science in chemistry with eight different concentrations, and an interdisciplinary Bachelor of Science degree in fermentation sciences. The department’s programs prepare students to attend graduate and professional schools, as well as for employment in the pharmaceutical and fermentation industries and other business sectors. Learn more about the A.R. Smith Department of Chemistry and Fermentation Sciences
About Student Research at Appalachian
Appalachian State University encourages faculty-mentored student research, which provides students with the opportunity to work side by side with faculty on meaningful research or creative endeavors. These projects often result in presentations, performances, or exhibitions at regional, national, and international conferences and events. Students who engage in research are able to apply knowledge from the classroom into real-world experiences and learn how to problem-solve, effectively communicate, and analyze complex issues. Appalachian’s Office of Student Research (OSR) was established in 2005 to expand the opportunities necessary for undergraduate and graduate students to engage in research and creative activities at Appalachian. Learn more about OSR
By Lauren Gibbs
November 2, 2026
BOONE, N.C.
Appalachian State University College of Arts and Sciences Department of Chemistry and Fermentation Sciences logo featuring a block "A" Mountaineers mark above the department name on a black background.
The Appalachian State University Department of Chemistry and Fermentation Sciences, housed in the College of Arts and Sciences, encourages faculty-mentored student research, providing students with the opportunity to work side by side with faculty on meaningful research or creative endeavors.