Researchers develop transparent patch to detect dangerous food threats

Mechanical and chemical engineers at McMaster, working closely with biochemists from across campus, have collaborated to develop a transparent test patch, printed with harmless molecules, that can signal contamination as it happens. The patch can be incorporated directly into food packaging, where it can monitor the contents for harmful pathogens such as E. coli and Salmonella.

The new technology, described today in the research journal ACS Nano, has the potential to replace the traditional "best before" date on food and drinks alike with a definitive indication that it's time to chuck that roast or pour out that milk.

If a pathogen is present in the food or drink inside the package, it would trigger a signal in the packaging that could be read by a smartphone or other simple device. The test itself does not affect the contents of the package.

Read more at Phys.org

Image Credit: McMaster University

-jk