Self-assembled micro-structured sensors for food safety in paper based food packaging

M Hakovirta; B Aksoy; J Hakovirta

doi:10.1016/j.msec.2015.04.020

Self-assembled micro-structured sensors for food safety in paper based food packaging

Mater Sci Eng C Mater Biol Appl. 2015 Aug:53:331-5. doi: 10.1016/j.msec.2015.04.020. Epub 2015 Apr 22.

Authors

M Hakovirta¹, B Aksoy², J Hakovirta²

Affiliations

¹ Alabama Center for Paper and Bioresource Engineering, Auburn University, AL 36849, United States. Electronic address: marko.hakovirta@storaenso.com.
² Alabama Center for Paper and Bioresource Engineering, Auburn University, AL 36849, United States.

PMID: 26042721
DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2015.04.020

Abstract

Natural self-assembled microstructured particles (diatomaceous earth) were used to develop a gas sensor paper with detection mechanism based on visible and distinct color changes of the sensor paper when exposed to volatile basic nitrogen compounds. The coating formulation for paper was prepared by applying diatomites, polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), and pH sensitive dyes on acidic paper substrate. The surface coating was designed to allow a maximum gas flow through the diatomite sensors. The produced sensor paper was tested for sensitivity using different ammonia concentrations and we observed a sensitivity lower limit at 63 ppm. As a comparison, the results show comparable sensitivity levels to carbon nanotube based sensor technologies reported in literature.

Keywords: Ammonia; Chemical sensor; Diatoms; Food safety; Packaging; Paper.

MeSH terms

Ammonium Hydroxide / analysis
Diatomaceous Earth / chemistry*
Food Contamination / analysis*
Food Microbiology / methods*
Food Packaging / instrumentation
Food Packaging / methods*
Limit of Detection
Paper
Surface Properties

Substances

Ammonium Hydroxide
Diatomaceous Earth