A protective film from seagrass shows whether food has spoiled.
Now, a Texas-based research team is looking at how to detect substances in liquid food products using electric signals from bacteria. The molecules in bacteria which create the signal can be toxic and are often swept away by liquids.
Leading the team to enclose the bacteria safely in the polymer chitosan. In testing, the team attached a hydrogel with encased probiotic bacteria to an electrode and dipped it in milk.
As expected, the signal-producing bacteria created a flow of electrons which was recognised by the electrode. Successfully detecting the presence of a preservative.
Polymers from crustacean shells have already inspired research on batteries and the development of sustainable packaging film.
