APCS platform · TRL 5 · Validated in real environments
Where sensing begins
at the atom.
Inclustera’s Atomically Precise Cluster Sensing (APCS) platform engineers detection directly into nanomaterial structure. The result is a sensing layer that responds selectively, instantly, and passively — without electronics, calibration, or laboratory infrastructure.
The paradigm shift
Detection without instruments
Traditional sensing routes chemical information through layers of electronics before producing a result. APCS eliminates that chain — the material interaction is the detection event.
Traditional approach
- Chemical interaction
- Electronic transduction
- Signal conditioning
- Data analysis
- Result: 24–48 hours · power required · calibration drift
Inclustera APCS
- Chemical interaction with target molecule
- Direct material response — luminescence change
- Field-ready detection output in seconds
“If it glows, it’s safe. If it doesn’t, there’s a problem.”
No power · No calibration · No electronic degradation · Stable in corrosive environments
How it works
The APCS platform — three layers
From molecular design to digital output: APCS is a fully integrated innovation chain, engineered at every level for field reliability and scalability.
Layer 1 Molecular design engine
Luminescent cluster design
Atomically precise metal cluster molecules are engineered with defined molecular structure and target-specific interaction geometry. Tunable optical response — luminescence change or quenching — is encoded directly at the cluster level.
Example: Ag₂₉(BDT)₁₂(TPP)₄ clusters for H₂S detection
Layer 2 Materials integration
Electrospray thin-film deposition
Active clusters are deposited onto diverse substrates at nanometre precision via scalable electrospray deposition. Sensing layers remain stable in harsh industrial environments including high humidity, dust, and corrosive atmospheres.
Substrates: paper, textiles, polymers, optical fibres
Layer 3 Readout & digitalisation
Optical signal to digital output
Visual detection is possible with a simple UV torch. For continuous industrial monitoring, optical fibre integration converts luminescence changes into time-stamped digital signals — API and CSV compatible.
Output: sensor ID · timestamp · signal value · detection event
Performance
Head-to-head with existing methods
Validated performance data from real-world testing. APCS outperforms laboratory testing and field kits across every operationally relevant parameter.
| Parameter | Inclustera APCS | Lab tests | Field kits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detection time | <1 minute | 24–48 hours | 1–2 hours |
| Accuracy | >95% | 80–90% | 70–80% |
| Portability | Yes | No | Yes |
| Power required | None – passive | Yes | Yes |
| Calibration | None required | Extensive | Required |
| Harsh environment stability | Validated | Limited | Degrades |
| Carbon footprint | >80% lower LCA | Reference | Varies |
| Reagents needed | None | Yes | Yes |
Target molecules
One platform, many hazards
Because sensing behaviour is defined at the molecular design level, the same APCS architecture can be tuned to different target compounds.
H₂S & sulfur compounds
Mining · biogas · refineries · wastewater
Cyanides
Mining tailings · industrial discharge · water
VOCs
Industrial air · process environments · labs
Heavy metals
Water systems · industrial effluent · soil
Toxic industrial chemicals
CBRN · security · border monitoring
Corrosion-driving species
Infrastructure · pipelines · underground
See the technology in your environment
We co-develop pilots with industrial partners to validate APCS performance against your specific target compounds, deployment conditions, and existing monitoring infrastructure.