US: Sensor that monitors the ripening of fruit is in development

Researchers of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) might boost future commerce by developing a technique that monitors the ripening process of fruit, preventing the product from ending up as waste. How? A new sensor detects quantities of ethylene, the chemical released by ripe fruit.

“If this technology enables us to cut loses by 30%, just by monitoring the fruit in supermarkets, that would be spectacular,” says a MIT spokesperson.

The sensors, explains MIT, can be attached to the packaging of food. Simply scanning the fruit with a hand-held device can determine the ripening process. This provides retailers with information, not only on when the products should be sold, but also on when they ought to be removed from shelves.

Ten thousand carbon nanotubes make up the sensor, enabling it to detect ethylene gas. Copper atoms are added to slow down the electrons. If ethylene is present, electrons coagulate with the copper atoms, reducing the electrons’ speed. By determining how many electrons have stopped moving – a process called resistance – scientists can tell how much ethylene is present.

Source: Diariodelagro