07.22.15
VTT has developed a sensor that detects ethanol, which is formed as a result of food spoilage, in the headspace of a food package. The sensor signal is wirelessly readable, for instance, by a mobile phone.
The sensor monitors ethanol emitted from the spoilage of foods into the headspace of a package. Ethanol, in addition to carbon dioxide, was found to be the main volatile spoilage metabolite in fresh-cut fruit. The information given by the sensor is transmitted from the package to the customer by means of a reader, and the data is saved digitally in a remote server. This ethanol sensor can have potential in other applications, such as in alcometers.
The sensor layer is part of a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag, and the sensor data can be read wirelessly using an RFID reader in, for example, a smartphone. The sensor transmits information about the freshness of the food in the package to the retailer or customer. The freshness data can be stored in real time in the cloud, enabling the comparison of food quality with its previous or later condition.
A similar optical readout based on the color change of the ethanol sensor was also developed for a smartphone.
The sensor and the RFID tag can be manufactured into a label or sticker and easily attached to a food package.
Using the sensor, it will be possible to control the food quality throughout the distribution chain and to prevent waste caused by spoilage. According to 2014 estimates, more than 100 tons of food products end up in waste annually in Europe.
VTT
Espoo, Finland
202-298-5837
www2.vtt.fi
The sensor monitors ethanol emitted from the spoilage of foods into the headspace of a package. Ethanol, in addition to carbon dioxide, was found to be the main volatile spoilage metabolite in fresh-cut fruit. The information given by the sensor is transmitted from the package to the customer by means of a reader, and the data is saved digitally in a remote server. This ethanol sensor can have potential in other applications, such as in alcometers.
The sensor layer is part of a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag, and the sensor data can be read wirelessly using an RFID reader in, for example, a smartphone. The sensor transmits information about the freshness of the food in the package to the retailer or customer. The freshness data can be stored in real time in the cloud, enabling the comparison of food quality with its previous or later condition.
A similar optical readout based on the color change of the ethanol sensor was also developed for a smartphone.
The sensor and the RFID tag can be manufactured into a label or sticker and easily attached to a food package.
Using the sensor, it will be possible to control the food quality throughout the distribution chain and to prevent waste caused by spoilage. According to 2014 estimates, more than 100 tons of food products end up in waste annually in Europe.
VTT
Espoo, Finland
202-298-5837
www2.vtt.fi