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Microfluidic colorimetric analysis system for sodium benzoate detection in foods
Chien-Hsuan Ko1, Chan-Chiung Liu2, Kuan-Hong Chen3
1Department of Engineering Science, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan.
Food Chemistry
|December 10, 2020
Summary
This study introduces a microfluidic colorimetric analysis system for detecting sodium benzoate (SBA) in foods and beverages. The developed system offers a reliable and low-cost method for quantifying SBA concentration, ensuring consumer safety.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Food Science
- Microfluidics
Background:
- Sodium benzoate (SBA) is a common food additive used as a preservative.
- Accurate quantification of SBA is crucial for ensuring food safety and regulatory compliance.
- Existing analytical methods can be complex and costly.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel microfluidic colorimetric analysis (MCA) system for the rapid and accurate detection of SBA.
- To provide a low-cost and portable alternative for SBA quantification in food and beverage products.
- To validate the MCA system against established analytical techniques.
Main Methods:
- A microfluidic paper-based chip was fabricated using wax printing.
- Distilled SBA samples were reacted to form a nitro compound, then applied to the paper chip.
- Colorimetric reactions were induced by heating, and images captured via a CMOS device and analyzed on a smartphone.
- A calibration curve was established for SBA concentrations ranging from 50 to 5000 ppm.
Main Results:
- The MCA system demonstrated a strong linear correlation between RGB values and SBA concentration (R² = 0.9970).
- The developed method showed high accuracy, with deviations not exceeding 6.0% compared to HPLC analysis.
- The system successfully quantified SBA in 15 commercial food and beverage samples.
Conclusions:
- The proposed MCA system is a reliable, low-cost, and portable tool for determining sodium benzoate levels in food and drinks.
- This technology offers a practical solution for routine quality control and safety monitoring in the food industry.
- The smartphone-based analysis enhances accessibility and ease of use for SBA detection.
