Researchers at Koc University in Türkiye have developed a small sensor that monitors the freshness of protein-rich foods such as meat, chicken and fish in real time and sends the data to the user's smartphone.
Weighing about 2g and measuring 2cm 2 , the sensor is made of a synthetic polymer, laminated on electrodes that use capacitive sensing to detect biogenic amines produced by protein-rich foods. The sensor uses near-field communication (NFC) technology, with a chip paired with a smartphone transmitting real-time wireless measurements via an antenna. The chip receives power when an NFC-compatible smartphone is placed near the sensor.
The researchers tested their sensor on packaged chicken breasts and rib roasts under different conditions: in the freezer, in the refrigerator, and at room temperature. Over three days, the capacitance of the sensor monitoring the room-temperature samples increased, indicating that biogenic amines are released from the meat as it spoils. The researchers say their sensor is easy to use, inexpensive, and could allow for continuous monitoring of protein-rich foods on supermarket shelves or at home.
LAM DIEN
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