Smart Packaging with NFC-enabled Gas Sensors for Food Monitoring
Author Information
Author(s): Naik Atharv, Lee Hong Seok, Herrington Jack, Barandun Giandrin, Flock Genevieve, Güder Firat, Gonzalez-Macia Laura
Primary Institution: Imperial College London
Hypothesis
Can gas sensors be effectively integrated into food packaging to monitor spoilage in real-time?
Conclusion
The study demonstrates that encapsulated gas sensors can effectively monitor food spoilage, particularly in spinach, using a smartphone interface.
Supporting Evidence
- Gas sensors can monitor food spoilage without needing to take samples.
- Encapsulation membranes help protect sensors while allowing gas detection.
- Spinach spoilage was effectively monitored at both low and room temperatures.
- NFC technology allows for easy communication of sensor data to smartphones.
- Over 35% of spinach production is wasted during household consumption.
- Encapsulated sensors showed a distinct change in conductance during spoilage.
- Real-time monitoring can help reduce food waste in supply chains.
- The system is cost-effective, with a total cost of about $0.35.
Takeaway
This study shows how special sensors can be put in food packages to tell if the food is still fresh or spoiled, helping to reduce waste.
Methodology
The study involved testing various encapsulation membranes for gas sensors and monitoring spinach spoilage using these sensors in controlled environments.
Limitations
The study's findings may not apply to all types of food, and the sensors' performance can vary based on environmental conditions.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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