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Breakthrough in Food Safety Detection
Researchers from the Federal University of São Carlos in Brazil have developed an innovative sensor capable of detecting sodium nitrite in various beverages, according to their recently published research. The sensor utilizes laser-modified cork to identify the potentially harmful preservative in drinks including mineral water, orange juice, and wine.
Health Risks of Sodium Nitrite
The report states that sodium nitrite is commonly used as a preservative and color fixative in processed meats like ham and bacon, but its presence in beverages can pose serious health concerns. Analysts suggest that depending on concentration levels, this inorganic salt can lead to the formation of carcinogenic nitrosamines in the human body.
“This risk motivated us to develop a simple, fast, and accessible way to detect the compound and ensure the quality and safety of liquid consumption,” sources indicate Bruno Campos Janegitz, head of the Laboratory of Sensors, Nanomedicine, and Nanostructured Materials at UFSCar, stated regarding the research motivation.
Sustainable Sensor Technology
According to reports, the research team selected cork as their base material due to its lightweight, natural, and inexpensive properties. The innovative process involves using laser marking to transform cork samples into highly conductive graphene, creating effective pathways for electrochemical detection.
“This process is sustainable, doesn’t require toxic reagents, and results in a highly conductive material, which is essential because nitrite undergoes well-known electrochemical oxidation,” Janegitz explained in the study published in Microchimica Acta.
Sensor Development Process
The research details indicate the team applied a waterproof spray to prevent liquid seepage and used nail polish to define the modified areas before oven-drying the samples. The completed sensor was then tested with various beverages diluted in electrolyte solutions containing simulated nitrite compounds.
Results reportedly showed the sensor performed with high sensitivity and good stability, detecting nitrite at concentrations relevant to food and environmental safety standards. The detection capability is particularly important for quality control in wines, where sodium nitrite use is not legally permitted in Brazil and most countries.
Future Applications and Development
While the project remains in laboratory validation phase, researchers suggest the technology represents a significant step toward accessible food safety monitoring. The development aligns with broader environmental monitoring trends and sustainable technology initiatives.
The research team’s focus on low-cost, environmentally respectful materials reflects growing industry developments in sustainable innovation. This approach to sensor development complements other recent technology advancements while addressing specific food safety concerns.
As the technology continues to develop, it may contribute to broader market trends in food quality monitoring and safety assurance systems, potentially offering consumers and regulators new tools for verifying beverage safety.
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