Additive Manufacturing of Organic based Food Spoilage Tags (Phase I)

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This project will develop food security tags that can detect the spoilage of fresh foods. Spoiled foods result in over a hundred billion dollars (US) loss per year in both food waste and medical treatment of those who develop illnesses from such foods. There is a need to replace static food 'best before dates' with real time sensors that can detect food spoilage prior (transport stage), during (at supermarket), and after (in home) point of sale. Technologies exist that can extend shelf life of produce through bio-compatible coatings and monitor the temperature of products requiring chilling, but a real-time spoilage indicator is lacking. Our proposed innovation relies on a chemistry/materials science discovery and makes use of off-gas detection from spoiling meat/fish to provide a real-time sensor for food freshness. The technology relies on amine detection at low levels by an ultra-low-cost organic film to provide both colorimetric and electronic response, of which both food providers and consumers can read. The film-based technology can be fabricated using additive manufacturing roll-to-roll printing methods allowing for a low-energy, high throughput development. The processes use eco-friendly solvents including water and/or alcohols and active films are resistant to degradation via solvents and other external stimuli, making the technology robust. Biogenic amine detection has been demonstrated with the technology showing color changes with rates dependent on the amine and acidic nature of the film. Project objectives: (1) organic materials scale-up to processing levels and derivatization to maximize amine selectivity and sensitivity, (2) large area printing optimization, full bio-compatible gas sensor device fabrication, and translation to roll-to-roll printing, (3) full device evaluation and champion device integration into smart packaging labels. Success of this project will lead to a fully printed gas-sensing food security tag ready for demonstration in an operational environmental, the creation of a Canadian based SME, and the training of HQP.