Gas-sensor monitors shelf-life
In Europe it is compulsory to print the best-before date on food packaging. But how long juice or milk actually stays drinkable after the packaging has been opened is a matter for the consumer to decide. The original closure from adlantis Dortmund GmbH offers more certainty here. Integrated gas sensors make the color change to show that the packaging has been opened and if the contents can still be consumed.
This is possible due to the interplay between microstructures, nanoparticles and functional plastics: when you open the cap, oxygen begins to diffuse through micro channels in the plastic. The oxygen causes the polymer to change color. If the display in the cap has changed color completely then the product cannot be consumed safely anymore.
The measurement process can be set to take several hours or even up to a year depending on the shelf life. The reaction continues independently of the ambient temperature or any other external influences. Special nanoparticles in the substrate polymer ensure that the process does not progress any faster at room temperature or in the sun than it does in the refrigerator.
adlantis is currently in initial discussions about shelf-life monitoring with foodstuff packaging companies. Special developments are already underway with pharmaceutical and cosmetic companies – for example, for displaying the length of use for contact lenses.
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