A pioneering sensor, crafted from a metal oxide nanoparticles-reduced graphene oxide composite, has emerged as a game-changer in the detection of formalin adulteration in fish, offering a non-invasive solution even at room temperature.
This innovative sensor boasts long-term stability while maintaining an impressively low detection limit.
Formalin, a hazardous substance utilized as a preservative in certain foods, particularly in fish within developing nations, poses significant health risks. Its presence in food products is illegal in numerous countries due to its carcinogenic properties.
Existing formalin sensors in the market, mostly electrochemical or colorimetric, present drawbacks in terms of cost, invasiveness, and limited detection capabilities.
Addressing these challenges, the Nanomaterials and Nanoelectronics Laboratory at Guwahati University, led by Dr. Hemen Kr. Kalita, has developed an affordable and non-invasive formalin sensor using a tin oxide-reduced graphene oxide composite.
This composite leverages the advantageous properties of graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) combined with tin oxide (SnO2). While GO offers exceptional processability and chemical adaptability, the challenge of low electrical conductivity was overcome by the development of the rGO-SnO2 composite.
New Sensor Detects Fish Formalin Adulteration at Room Temperature
The sensor’s efficacy in detecting formaldehyde vapor at room temperature was demonstrated through meticulous lab tests, including examination of fish samples sourced from Guwahati’s local markets.
Supported by DST-PURSE (Promotion of University Research and Scientific Excellence), this breakthrough study was published in the journal ACS Appl. Nano Mater.
The findings revealed the sensor’s capability to detect formalin in various fish samples imported from regions beyond Assam, validating its potential in non-invasively identifying formalin presence.
The ongoing development of a prototype stands as a milestone in combating food adulteration. This sensor prototype promises an affordable and practical solution, revolutionizing the landscape of food adulteration detection devices. As the research progresses, this innovation heralds a transformative era in ensuring food safety and combating deceptive food practices.
