Ethylene Sensor for Freshness Sensing and Other Applications

(ROI #2006-13)

Description
A novel ethylene-based freshness sensor has been developed. The ethylene sensor
device is a planar nanoscale thin film sensor fabricated at room temperature using
layer-by-layer self assembly. The detected ethylene level determines the freshness of
the fruits and vegetables in the package. The sensor is passive and can be easily
integrated with Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags developed at Louisiana
Tech University. Integrating these sensors in RFID tags enables one to wirelessly
monitor the conditions of fruits and vegetable, and packaged food.
Advantages
The ethylene based freshness sensor is fabricated using low cost fabrication processes,
which are also suitable for mass manufacturing.
High temperature processing in fabrication is eliminated.
The sensor is passive and can be easily integrated with passive RFID tags.
The sensor, including the RFID tag, can be made planar and on flexible substrate.
There is no additional circuitry required for the measurement or for the integration with
RFID tags.
The sensor is environmentally friendly and is easy to dispose of.
The flexibility of the sensor configuration provides more options for its integration with
RFID tags, resulting in RFID sensor tags.
Areas of Application

Freshness detection of fruits and vegetables in storage units:

The constant monitoring of ethylene emissions from fruits can indicate the freshness status
of fruits and vegetables, and can prevent transport of raw, over ripe and spoiled produce to
retailers.
Early detection of fruits and vegetables spoilage:
Early detection of spoilage of fruits and vegetables in storage or in transport can prevent
total wastage of the entire stock.
Non invasive identification of ripe fruits and vegetables:
Non invasive detection of ripe fruits, for the type of fruits that cannot be visually
distinguished even after ripening.

Patent Status

Patent Application Pending.

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