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Mechanical and chemical engineers at McMaster, working with biochemists from across campus, have collaborated to develop a transparent test patch, printed with harmless molecules, that can detect contamination as it happens. The patch can be incorporated directly into food packaging to examine the contents for harmful pathogens such like E. coli and Salmonella.The new technology can replace the “best before” date on food and drinks.
The new technology would trigger a signal in the packaging that could be read by a smartphone or other simple device without affecting the contents of the package if the food or drink contains pathogens.
According to the World Health Organization, foodborne pathogens result in approximately 600 million illnesses and 420,000 deaths per year.
The researchers called the new material- “Sentinel Wrap” in tribute to the McMaster-based Sentinel Bioactive Paper Network, an interdisciplinary research network that worked on paper-based detection systems. The network’s research gave rise to the new food-testing technology. They point technology could also be used in bandages to indicate if wounds are infected, or for wrapping surgical instruments to assure they are sterile.
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