| Date | 7th, Jun 2022 |
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Researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden have developed a tiny sensor for detecting pesticides on fruit in just a few minutes. The technique, described as a proof-of-concept in a paper in the journal Advanced Science, uses flame-sprayed nanoparticles made from silver to increase the signal of chemicals. While still at an early stage, the researchers hope these nano-sensors could help uncover food pesticides before consumption.
A photo of four nano-sensors and a scanning electron microscope image of the sensor surface. The sensor has a size of 22 x 22 mm and a uniform surface for highly reproducible tests. Image credit: Haipeng Li and Georgios A Sotiriou.
“Our sensors can detect pesticide residues on apple surfaces in a short time of five minutes without destroying the fruit,” Haipeng Li says. “While they need to be validated in larger studies, we offer a proof-of-concept practical application for food safety testing at scale before consumption.”
Next, the researchers want to explore if the nano-sensors can be applied to other areas such as discovering biomarkers for specific diseases at the point of care in resource-limited settings.
Source: Karolinska Institutet
