Scientists Develop Smartphone Test to Detect Pesticides and Antibiotics in Food

Researchers from universities in China have created a new method to detect harmful chemicals like pesticides and antibiotics in food. The test is simple to use, works with a smartphone, and gives results in just 10 seconds. This quick and reliable tool could help farmers, food inspectors, and consumers ensure that the food they eat is safe.

How the Test Works

The test uses special glowing materials made from uranium based compounds called uranium organic frameworks (UOFs). These materials glow when they come into contact with certain chemicals. The researchers made three types of UOFs, each designed to respond to a different group of harmful substances.

When a food sample is tested, the UOFs react by changing the color and brightness of their glow. The method also measures how the glow changes over time. This process, known as dual step ratiometric fluorescence sensing, helps make the results more accurate and reduces the chance of false readings.

Turning Smartphones into Food Testers

One of the most useful parts of this invention is that it works with an ordinary smartphone. A small device can be attached to the phone, and an app is used to read the glowing signals. This means that food can be tested on the spot whether at a farm, food market, or storage facility without needing a laboratory or expensive machines.

Tested on Real Food Samples

To prove that the system works, the researchers tested it on actual food, including vegetables and meat. The test was able to detect even very small amounts of harmful chemicals levels that are lower than the limits set by food safety regulations. The results were reliable and consistent, showing that this tool is ready for real world use.

Chemical contamination in food is a global issue. Pesticides and antibiotics, when found in high or unsafe amounts, can harm human health. Current testing methods can be slow, costly, and difficult to use outside laboratories. This new smartphone based test is fast, accurate, and easy to use, making it a practical solution for everyday food safety checks.

What’s Next for This Technology

The scientists plan to improve the system so it can detect more types of harmful substances, such as leftover medicines or pollutants in food and water. By expanding its range, this tool could also be useful for environmental monitoring and public health protection.

This new smartphone test is an important breakthrough in food safety. It allows people to check food for harmful chemicals quickly and easily, without needing special training or equipment. With further development, it could become a common tool for making sure the food we eat is safe and healthy.

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