Niloufar Sharif, a researcher in food science and technology, recently joined EPFL’s Laboratory of Nanobiotechnology. She is working on a three-year research project that aims to develop intelligent packaging technologies. The solutions will address two of the biggest challenges in food and nutrition: food waste and food safety.
Real-time monitoring
Packaging already plays an important role in keeping food fresh and safe to eat. But intelligent packaging offers even greater possibilities. “Intelligent packaging contains small devices, in the form of labels or tags, that can monitor food in storage and throughout the supply chain,” says Sharif. Nanosensors built into the packaging detect molecules or gases produced by microorganisms. Measuring these compounds helps to build a picture of the condition of the food itself and its surrounding environment.
Sharif’s project focuses on the development of carbon nanotube-based sensors that can respond to environmental changes within the packaging. By detecting the presence of specific gases released by microbial activity, the nanosensors would supply real-time information and indicate if a product is spoiled.