UbiQD harnesses quantum dot nanotechnology to combat counterfeit packaging

03 Oct 2022 --- UbiQD, a New Mexico-based nanotechnology company and Sicpa, a Swiss security company, are continuing their six-year-long partnership to create anti-counterfeit security inks using quantum dot technology. 

UbiQD has created its own quantum dot technology to be used by Sicpa in creating an ink that cannot be replicated to ensure security for those that implement it. This technology can be added to any packaging or document to prevent counterfeits from passing through.

Counterfeit labels are a common problem in the pharmaceutical packaging industry. Companies have recently been working on innovative solutions to combat the issue. UbiQD’s use of quantum dots offers a new solution. 

“This partnership with UbiQD has enabled us to develop cutting-edge optical and machine-readable features that we will be able to add to our portfolio of security inks and solutions for our clients,” says Scott Haubrich, R&D director at Sicpa US. 

Nanotechnology by UbiQD is used to create ink to battle counterfeit items. What are quantum dots? 
Quantum dots (QDs) are semiconductor nanoparticles with visual and electronic properties that differ from larger particles due to quantum mechanics. QDs also exhibit high-efficiency photoluminescence over a wide range of tunable colors.

QDs can be programmed into materials by modifying the conditions in which they are manufactured, leading to different sizes, shapes and compositions. They also can emit different wavelengths of light, leading to being used as an alternative to dyes and pigments for security features.

These factors make the structure and patterns of the dots created within the ink extremely difficult to replicate. UbiQD makes its QD ink effective at offering unique optical properties, enhancing security measures and combating label counterfeiting. 

“With Sicpa’s domain experience and position in security markets, and its proprietary sensor and ink technologies, UbiQD has an ideal partner to commercialize our quantum dot technology for anti-counterfeiting, brand protection, supply chain integrity, and more,” says Hunter McDaniel, UbiQD CEO.

Sicpa has stated it is looking to commercialize several security applications based on the novel characteristics of UbiQD’s QD ink.

According to Rice University, QDs usually cost around US$2,000 per gram from commercial sources, causing hindrances in previous ink application production. Possible toxicity issues have also been a cause for concern when using QDs.Quantum dots can be used to fight counterfeit packaging in the pharmaceutical industry.  

“QDs may also pose risks to human health and the environment under certain conditions,” states an Environmental Health Perspectives study.

Past solutions 
Earlier this month, Antares Vision and Edgyn partnered to provide an authentication solution to help combat counterfeiting in the pharmaceutical industry. They created a digital fingerprint for every package, an undetectable signature based on a product’s physical characteristics.

All4Labels Global Packaging Group recently announced that it is expanding its QR solutions and cloud services to ensure greater customer engagement and combat counterfeiting. 

Last month, researchers at Purdue University, US, developed an edible “security tag” embedded into medicine to expose counterfeiters. 

By Sabine Waldeck 

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