BIOSECURITY

Cutting-edge technology predicts freshness of packaged fish

Granada, Spain, 19 February 2025 | A sensor act as visual indicator of freshness by changing colour

Pescado envasado supermercado

Researchers at the University of Granada, in Spain, have made a significant breakthrough in smart packaging technology with the development of a new biocompatible sensor that can determine the freshness of fish and meat. This sensor change colour based on the quality of the food, providing a practical and safe tool for both consumers and the food industry.

Developed by the ECSens group from the Department of Analytical Chemistry and the Department of Computer Electronics and Technology, the sensor uses natural compounds like turmeric and red cabbage to detect the presence of ammonia, a compound released during the decomposition of food. The colour change of the sensor acts as a visual indicator of the product’s freshness.

The user-friendliness of this sensor is particularly noteworthy, as it can be operated using common devices such as cameras or smartphones, making it accessible to most consumer.

This project is part of broader research that began in 2015, aimed at enhancing food safety standards through innovative solutions. The researchers are currently working on incorporating these sensors into fish trays and exploring the possibility of detection via mobile apps.

This innovation is the latest in a series of successes for the ECSens group; in 2020, they developed a CO2 sensor pork that allows the freshness of the meat to be monitored in real time via a smartphone. These developments not only improve food safety but also have the potential to reduce food waste by enabling consumers to make more informed decisions about their purchases.

The project has received European funding, including a Talentia postdoc grant and an individual Marie Curie Horizon 2020 fellowship. Additionally, this research forms part of the doctoral thesis of María Angustias Torres Molina, a member of the research team.

 

The ECSens team is committed to developing technologies that promote a safer and more sustainable food supply chain. Smart packaging represents a step fordwares a future of safer and more sustainable food, combining advanced science, environmental responsibility, and technological accessibility.

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