Context: A new low-cost sensor made up of metal oxide nanoparticles–reduced graphene oxide composite can detect formalin in fish at room temperature in a non-invasive way.Â
- It is developed by the Nanomaterials and Nanoelectronics Laboratory of Guwahati University, Assam.
- Source material: The formalin sensor uses tin oxide-reduced graphene oxide composite.
- Process:Â Graphene Oxide (GO) was synthesized through a process called wet chemical approach and tin oxide-reduced graphene oxide composite (rGO- SnO2) was synthesized by hydrothermal route followed by calcination of the obtained product.
- The sensor is  tested for adulterated fish at lab scale and on fish available in the fish markets of the Guwahati region.
- The research is supported by DST-PURSE (Promotion of University Research and Scientific Excellence).
- The research was published in the journal ACS Appl. Nano Mater.
Formaldehyde
- Formaldehyde (CHâ‚‚O)Â is a colourless, highly toxic, and flammable gas at room temperature.
- Main uses:
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- In producing fertilizer, paper, plywood, and some resins.
- As a food preservative.
- In glues and resins, dyes, and textiles, disinfectants, building materials, automobile parts, embalming, and laboratories.Â
- In household products, such as antiseptics, medicines, and cosmetics.
- Exposure:Â Irritation of the skin, throat, lungs, and eyes. It is also carcinogenic.
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- It is a mixture of water and formaldehyde, which is usually used on freshly caught fishes to extend its shelf life and enhance its sensory attributes such as color.
- Food Safety and Standards of India (FSSAI) regulations of 2011, has banned the use of formalin in food products.
- Example: Kerala pathologist traces high level of formalin content in fish bought at home when she tested the sample.
- A team of researchers from Nagaon College, Assam detected the presence of 15 per cent formalin in the consignment of fish imported from outside the state.
- Health scare: It can cause conditions such as abdominal discomfort, vomiting, renal injury, etc.
Significance of the research
- Present sensors: They are either electrochemical-based or colorimetric-based( Colorimetric sensors are a class of optical sensors that change their colour when influenced by external stimuli.)
- Both methods are invasive and expensive.Â
- Moreover, low-level and selective detection are two major issues with these sensors
- New Sensor: It is seen as a breakthrough in the field of food adulteration and will open new avenues for the development of affordable formalin sensor devices.
- shows long-term stability with a low detection limit.
- Is comparatively cheap
- Non-invasive in nature
- Can detect the presence of Formalin at room temperatures.
Promotion of University Research and Scientific Excellence (PURSE)
- It is a Flagship Infrastructure program of the Department of Science and Technology, exclusively for the University sector.
- Objective:Â
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- To provide support for nurturing the research ecosystem and strengthening the R&D base of the Universities in the country.
- There will be support to acquire research facilities, research manpower cost, acquiring research consumables, funds for travel, organizing workshops and conferences, contingencies and maintenance of the facilities.Â
- Thrust focus areas are Manufacturing, Waste processing, Clean Energy, Water, Startup India and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
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News source: PIB
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December 27, 2023