A tiny sensor detects pesticide residue on individual fruits
CategoriesSustainable News

A tiny sensor detects pesticide residue on individual fruits

Spotted: It is well-known that many pesticides can cause negative health and environmental issues, including dermatological, gastrointestinal, neurological, carcinogenic, respiratory, reproductive, and endocrine effects. In fact, reports show that up to half of all fruits sold in the EU contain pesticides linked to human health problems. But detecting pesticides on produce can be costly and time-consuming. However, thanks to a new sensor, it may soon be possible to change this. 

The tiny sensor, developed by researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden, uses a technique called surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). This is a spectroscopy technique that enhances the surface vibration of molecules using nanoscale roughened metal surfaces made of gold or silver. Using laser light matched to the vibrations, the SERS technique makes it possible to detect very low concentrations of substances without the need for more complex and expensive fluorescent labelling.

The researchers deposited small droplets of silver nano-particles onto a surface using flame spray. By fine-tuning the distance between individual nano-particles, the researchers can improve their sensitivity. The sensors were tested by applying a thin layer of tracer dye and using a spectrometer to determine their molecular fingerprints. The sensors were able to reliably detect molecular signals over a period of 2.5 months. The result demonstrates that the sensors can be applied over a large area and have a relatively long shelf life.

Haipeng Li, a postdoctoral researcher and the study’s lead author explained that the sensors, “can detect pesticide residues on apple surfaces in a short time of five minutes without destroying the fruit. While they need to be validated in larger studies, we offer a proof-of-concept practical application for food safety testing at scale before consumption.” 

At Springwise, we have seen a number of recent innovations aimed at improving food safety and security. Several of these are designed to help food stay fresh longer, such as smart, antimicrobial food packaging and non-toxic emulsions which can help control the growth of fungi and bacteria on plants.  

Written By: Lisa Magloff

Website: sotirioulab.org

Contact: sotirioulab.org/contact

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A sensor monitors the strength and efficiency of wind turbine blades
CategoriesSustainable News

A sensor monitors the strength and efficiency of wind turbine blades

Spotted: Considered a cost-efficient source of renewable energy, wind farms are under near-constant pressure to produce more power as quickly as possible. To help meet the demand, designers and manufacturers are working to create ever longer blades. While the longer blades produce more power, they also require additional maintenance. Current monitoring systems are not built to track the full length of the world’s largest blades, and updated materials technologies are also adding complexity to such oversight, with designs that bend more and in multiple directions.

One company seeking to provide a smart solution to the growth of the industry is Porto and Rotterdam-based Fibersail. Fibersail is piloting its shape-sensing wind turbine blade monitoring system in five European locations. The shape sensor tracks the full shape and curvature of each blade, identifying the most efficient positions for each turbine.

The continuous monitoring also provides owners and maintenance managers with the means to detect when a part is working below capacity – much earlier than is currently possible. Rotor and blade loads are adjustable—depending on weather conditions and local needs—and the system helps calculate the volume of production that maximises the lifetime capacity of each turbine.

A recent funding round is helping the startup to expand its team, and the company is seeking industry partners for further pilot sites.

Other recent wind power innovations that Springwise has spotted include home turbine systems and a forecasting system for renewable energy that helps producers match supply and demand. 

Written by: Keely Khoury

Email: info@fibersail.com

Website: fibersail.com

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