A team of researchers at Brazil's University of So Paulo (USP) has developed a groundbreaking sensor made of kraft paper that can detect pesticide traces on fruits and vegetables instantaneously, Phys.org reports.
The new electrochemical sensor eliminates the need for time-consuming and complex chemical processes, allowing for continuous pesticide monitoring in agriculture and the food industry.
Detecting Pesticides in Food Without Elaborate Lab Processes
According to the study published in the journal Food Chemistry, conventional methods of detecting pesticides in food samples require grinding and submission to chemical processes before any such substances can be detected.
The researchers' new wearable sensor gets rid of the need for these complicated steps. This makes inspections for businesses like supermarkets, restaurants, and importers easier, cheaper, and more reliable.
Phys.org tells us that the sensor operates similarly to glucometers used by people with diabetes to measure blood sugar, but instead of measuring blood sugar, it displays the results of pesticide scanning on a smartphone. The device is fast, inexpensive, and highly sensitive. Its sensitivity was similar to the conventional method's, making it an ideal tool for detecting pesticides in food.
How the Pesticide Sensor Works
The study stated that the sensors made of paper and carbon electrodes were tested to detect a pesticide called carbendazim. The researchers discovered that by treating the paper in an acidic solution, the sensors performed best, detecting even especially low levels of pesticide.
The porous nature of the paper also increased the sensor's surface area, and the presence of certain chemical groups improved its sensitivity. The sensors were attached to the skins of apples and cabbage to detect carbendazim.
"The properties of the paper itself were an important part of our research," said Thiago Serafim Martins, first author of the article.
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The sensor has three carbon electrodes immersed in an acidic solution to activate the carboxyl groups. When the sensor comes into contact with a carbendazim-contaminated sample, it induces an electrochemical oxidation reaction that allows for the detection of the fungicide.
Developing the Sensor
In order to make the sensor, researchers looked at how stable and well-built the paper substrate was. Both kraft paper and parchment were found to be stable enough to serve as a substrate for the sensor. But the porousness of kraft paper made the sensor and the carboxyl groups formed during electrochemical activation more sensitive.
The device's paper-based electrodes could be used in more places than just the food industry, the researchers claimed. They can also be used in healthcare, for instance, Martins noted. The researchers believe that paper-based electrodes have the potential to revolutionize the way pesticides are detected in the food industry, making inspections easier, faster, and more reliable.
Paper-based electrodes could be a flexible and malleable material for electrochemical sensors that could be used in more than just the food industry. This breakthrough development could lead to safer, healthier food and a more sustainable and environmentally conscious agriculture industry.
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