An artificial taste sensor based on conducting polymers.
Pure and composite nanostructured films of conducting polymers were used as individual sensing units constituting an electronic tongue. The use of extremely thin films for signal transduction via impedance spectroscopy measurements in the frequency range 10-1 MHz allows the detection of trace amounts of tastants and inorganic contaminants in liquid systems. In addition, the sensor could detect the suppression of sourness by sweetness displaying similarities with the biological system. Brands of several commercial beverages could be easily distinguished without complex analysis, including the discrimination of waters, tastants and wines.
Riul Júnior
A
A
EMBRAPA Instrumentação Agropecuária, CP 741, CEP 13560-970 São Carlos, SP, Brazil.
Malmegrim
R R
RR
Fonseca
F J
FJ
Mattoso
L H C
LH
D001628:Beverages / Q000032:analysis; D032701:Biomimetics / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry; D004553:Electric Conductivity; D017097:Electric Impedance; D004563:Electrochemistry / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005504:Food Analysis / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D006851:Hydrochloric Acid / Q000032:analysis; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D008832:Microchemistry / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D036103:Nanotechnology / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D011108:Polymers / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry*; D011803:Quinine / Q000032:analysis; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012965:Sodium Chloride / Q000032:analysis; D013057:Spectrum Analysis / Q000379:methods*; D013395:Sucrose / Q000032:analysis; D013649:Taste; D014159:Transducers
D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D011108:Polymers; D012965:Sodium Chloride; D013395:Sucrose; D011803:Quinine; D006851:Hydrochloric Acid