Spoilage-Spotting Food Sensors

The challenge is enormous

A group of scientists and researchers at the Koc University over in Istanbul, Turkey have developed a high-tech food sensor that is designed to be able to monitor the status of meat products and detect when they are at risk of spoilage.

This particular food sensor, which operates without batteries, makes use of a special polymer that is capable of detecting the amines that are released by high-protein foods such as chicken, beef and fish. The sensor is then capable of using near-field communication technology to convey measurements and data to a smartphone.

Typically, amines released by protein-rich foods are very expensive and complicated to detect. But the advent of this diminutive food sensor could prove to be an important way to tackle both food wastage and the health consequences of consuming unsafe proteins.