Guwahati: Tezpur University (TU) researchers have created a portable optical device that uses a smartphone to detect fish spoilage.
Developed by Monica Yumnam, a research scholar, under the guidance of Prof Poonam Mishra from the department of food engineering and technology and Prof Pabitra Nath from the department of physics, the device has been recognized with the Gandhian Young Technological Innovation (GYTI) Award for 2023.
The device utilises a polyaniline sensor, a pH-sensitive polymer that specifically detects ammonia and changes color as fish deteriorates. Users can easily place the sensor over the fish, insert it into the device, and the smartphone’s camera will detect the color change. An Android app then provides real-time analysis of the spoilage level.
“The work offers a game-changing alternative,” stated a release from Tezpur University, on Tuesday.