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Interface Charge Transfer Mapping for In Situ Monitoring of Contamination in Liquid Food

  • 0Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 101400, China.
Small (weinheim an Der Bergstrasse, Germany) +

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August 23, 2025

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August 23, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

A novel Triboelectric Nanogenerator (TENG) probe enables in situ detection of liquid food contamination. This technology provides rapid, portable, and cost-effective food safety testing, improving quality control in production environments.

Area Of Science

  • Materials Science
  • Food Science
  • Sensor Technology

Background

  • Current food safety testing methods are time-consuming, complex, and require bulky equipment, hindering in situ detection.
  • There is a need for rapid, portable, and cost-effective solutions for real-time contamination monitoring in liquid food production.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To develop a high-density array Triboelectric Nanogenerator (TENG) probe for in situ identification and safety detection of liquid foods.
  • To apply interface charge transfer mapping (ICTM) for analyzing electrical signals generated by the TENG probe.

Main Methods

  • Fabrication of a high-density array TENG probe utilizing triboelectrification and liquid-solid interface charge transfer.
  • Application of ICTM to analyze electrical signals from liquid food samples sliding across the probe.
  • Testing the probe's sensitivity to various liquid foods, additives, and heavy metals.

Main Results

  • Successfully identified ten different liquid foods and detected food additives and heavy metals in white vinegar.
  • Achieved a low detection limit of 10 µg L⁻¹ for Pb²⁺ in white vinegar, meeting FDA standards.
  • Demonstrated high detection accuracy: 95% for lead acetate and 90% for potassium sorbate in random samples.

Conclusions

  • The developed array TENG probe and ICTM offer a novel approach for in situ and rapid food production and safety testing.
  • This technology relies on inexpensive, portable, and low-tech instrumentation, making it accessible for widespread use.
  • The findings pave the way for enhanced food safety, quality control, and process optimization in the food industry.

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