The inadequacy of date labels on perishable foods, which often fail to accurately predict when they become unsafe to consume, can have adverse consequences such as increased food waste and a higher likelihood of foodborne diseases. To address this concern, Benedetto Marelli from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology suggests the adoption of biodegradable food packaging that alters its color, which will provide a visual cue for eaters to identify spoiled food.
Related: Be Aware of These Foods as They Can Cause Food Poisoning
Benedetto and his colleagues took the initiative to create packaging that responds to changes in contents so as to provide a more effective indication of food spoilage.
They developed four films that were similar to plastic wrap, each comprising two layers. One layer incorporated a protein sourced from silkworm silk, whereas the second layer featured one of four covalent organic frameworks (COFs). These COFs encompass carbon and hydrogen, alongside diverse atoms like oxygen or nitrogen, meticulously arranged in a grid-like fashion to allow for material porosity.
Once the researchers had ensured the elasticity, durability, and non-toxicity of all four films for packaging, they proceeded to test their compostability. The film that performed the best showed a 50 percent degradation within 30 days when placed in soil, a level comparable to currently available biodegradable plastics.
Related: Never Buy These Foods From the Supermarket!
When exposed to solutions of varying pH values, the new material underwent a color transformation as a result of proton and electron exchange between the COF layer and the liquid. Taking advantage of the fact that the pH of food rises during spoilage, the team of scientists conducted an experiment using a segment of the film as a clever, color-changing label on a traditional packet of raw chicken. Initially orange, the label transformed into yellow and became 17 percent lighter after 20 hours at 30°C (86°F), signaling the beginning of spoilage.
Ultimately, the researchers harnessed the porous composition of the COFs to infuse the film with an antimicrobial compound. They then wrapped soya beans in this film and expose them to extreme heat and humidity. After a span of 15 days, the beans encased in the innovative material displayed approximately one-third the amount of mold growth as beans wrapped in conventional plastic.
Julian McClements, a professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, believes that future packaging should change color when spoiled, but in order for this to have a real impact, it must be both affordable and easy to manufacture. Marelli emphasizes that meeting the high standards set by plastic production is a formidable hurdle.
The findings of the team's study were published in the journal ACS Nano.
These Gadgets Will Make Your Car a Lot More Fun
Wouldn’t it be awesome to have one of these cool car accessories?
This Man Built an Automatic Train System for Trash Cans!
Wouldn’t it be cool if a robot picked up and moved our garbage out for pickup with the push of a button?
Sci Fi Tech: Jetpack Rescue!
Paramedics in Britain are being trained to conduct mountain or sea rescues using jet suits. Find out more.
4 Super Technologies That Started Off as Failed Inventions
Check out how some of the great technological inventions of our time actually started off as failed projects.
16 Useful Inventions That You Never Knew Your City Needs!
These cool and awesome inventions have been designed to make the world a much better and easier place.
2023 in Science: Biggest Discoveries You Missed!
Let’s take a look at the most amazing scientific discoveries that made news this year.
14 of the Most Fascinating Specialized Tools You'll See
We bet you haven’t seen these unique tools before!
How It's Made: Merino Wool
Long before we invented moisture-wicking synthetic fibers, this type of wool did it naturally for centuries. Here's how it's produced.
Breathalyzers May Be More Important Than You Thought
This video does a great job in breaking down how in the future, breath analysis can be used to detect disease and prevent more invasive procedures.
Why is Everyone Obsessed with This Weight-Loss Tool?
Ozempic has been touted as a wonder drug for weight loss in recent months. But what's the real truth behind it?
What Would You Do if You Had an Extra Thumb?
This revolutionary invention has the potential to revolutionize the field of prosthetics.
Scary Stories: 11 of the World's Creepiest Experiments
Truth is stranger than fiction, and this can be said for occurrences in the scientific world too. Here are 11 of the world's creepiest experiments
These 11 Brain Facts Are Enough to Boggle Your Mind
When you consider the sheer complexity of the human brain, it's difficult to wrap your head around it. Learn these 11 fascinating facts about the human brain.
Incredible Science Breakthroughs That Made News in 2022
Let’s check out some of the most interesting scientific discoveries of 2022.
The Curious Science of Tricking Your Taste Buds
Did you know you could confuse your sense of taste? Find out how!
What Does Medicine ACTUALLY Do In the Body? Fascinating.
What really happens in our bodies when we take medicine, have you ever wondered? This video will answer your question.
17 Incredible Eye Facts You Have To See To Believe
They say the eyes are the window to the soul, and they also happen to be our windows to the world. Here are 17 insanely fascinating facts about eyes.
Watch This Man Build a Future Using Trash from the Past
In this video, you will see what this incredible community has been able to accomplish by building homes from recycled materials.
Study: Biggest Ocean in the World is.. Underground?
A groundbreaking discovery by researchers reveals an enormous water reservoir deep beneath the Earth's surface.
7 Weird Facts About the Human Voice That Will Surprise You
We bet you didn’t know these peculiar facts about the human voice.
Are Smartphones Making Us Stupid? This Will Surprise You!
If you use a smartphone you need to see this!
Science Proves: These 10 Bible Stories Probably Did Happen
The Bible describes many seemingly supernatural cases, but today, science can show that they might have indeed happened.
Satisfy Your Curiosity About the Universe with These Q&As
Discover more about the universe by reading through these facts.
New Study: Are Dogs Even More Intelligent than We Thought?
New study sheds more light on canine intelligence, making some fascinating discoveries.
24 Smart Storage Inventions You Didn't Know You Needed
These super useful inventions are designed to make you help space!
The Story of the Internet: Who REALLY Invented It?
Who really invented the internet, and why did they REALLY do it?
5 Puzzling Mysteries That Science Finally Managed to Solve
These weird occurrences have puzzled humanity for decades, if not centuries. Finally, scientists solved them & the solutions are exciting...
These Will Give You True Perspective About Our World
Just to give you an idea of how big the Earth really is in true perspective to all the other heavenly bodies up there in the cosmos.
25 Feats of Engineering that Leave Everyone Amazed
The amount of planning and sheer brain power it took to design and execute these structures, proving once again that there are true geniuses out there.
Future Technology: Inventions That Will Change Our World
Check out a few amazing futuristic inventions that are about to become mainstream.
6 Intriguing Archeological Finds of the 21st Century
These archaeological and paleontological discoveries were made in the past 10 years and they're equally fascinating and intriguing...
INTERACTIVE: A Guide to the Workings of the Human Body
The human body is the most complex machine known to man, and the amount of things it has to do to keep us alive is incredible. View this interactive guide now.
Are You a Late Sleeper? This Super Video Explains Why
Why is it that some people are late risers, and some are morning people? It's all down to our genetics. Have a look here to find out more.
Scientists Finally Know Why We Love Cute Things
We find some things to be irresistibly cute. But why? Let’s find out.
You Won't Believe That These Things Exist in Japan...
If there's one place on this planet that well and truly at the forefront of modern technology, it has got to be Japan, as these inventions prove...
These Fire Tricks Will Wow You, But Don't Try Them!
These fire tricks are incredible to look at, but please don't try this at home...
INTERACTIVE: How Personal Items Have Changed Over Time
Some of you will be old enough to remember what many of today's objects used to look like. Here are 20 such objects. Click to see them as they used to be.
This Visual Shows the Science Behind the Shape of Rivers
A fascinating visual model that explains why and how rivers change their course.
The Disappearing Computer: Revolution on a Personal Scale
What happens when we lose the physical large computer all together? This lecture explains what ahead for computers.
Fascinating Science: How Old Can We Actually Get?
All things being equal, and technology continually progressing - How old can a human body really get?
WATCH: What Is the Fingerprint of God's Creation?
The golden pattern, describes the mathematical code of the universe. Is this the scientific evidence of God's will and plan?
A Tunnel Built by a Swarm of Robots - Jaw-Dropping!
Imagine a swarm of robots attacking a mountain and smashing it to pieces...
16 Surprising Things I Never Knew About Sleeping!
Who knew there was so much we don't know about our most popular activity! Here are 16 facts you may not have known about your sleep.
9 UNBELIEVABLE Ice Science Tricks That'l Amaze You
Prepare to be amazed as ice takes center stage in these mind-boggling and unconventional science experiments.
6 Fascinating Stories of Accidental Medical Discoveries
From penicillin to pacemakers, here are the medical breakthroughs that were discovered by accident.
Experience the True Scale of Heavenly Bodies
Witness the true scale of planets, stars and galaxies in this incredible video that sheds light on size in our universe.
These Shoes Can Boost Your Walking Speed by 250%!
Robotic engineers have created shoes that, they claim, will increase your speed by 250%.