title: Self-assembled micro-structured sensors for food safety in paper based food packaging.
abstract: Natural self-assembled microstructured particles (diatomaceous earth) were used to develop a gas sensor paper with detection mechanism based on visible and distinct color changes of the sensor paper when exposed to volatile basic nitrogen compounds. The coating formulation for paper was prepared by applying diatomites, polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), and pH sensitive dyes on acidic paper substrate. The surface coating was designed to allow a maximum gas flow through the diatomite sensors. The produced sensor paper was tested for sensitivity using different ammonia concentrations and we observed a sensitivity lower limit at 63 ppm. As a comparison, the results show comparable sensitivity levels to carbon nanotube based sensor technologies reported in literature.
authors.affiliation: Alabama Center for Paper and Bioresource Engineering, Auburn University, AL 36849, United States. Electronic address: marko.hakovirta@storaenso.com.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hakovirta
authors.affiliation: Alabama Center for Paper and Bioresource Engineering, Auburn University, AL 36849, United States.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Aksoy
authors.affiliation: Alabama Center for Paper and Bioresource Engineering, Auburn University, AL 36849, United States.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hakovirta
mesh_terms: D064753:Ammonium Hydroxide / Q000032:analysis; D007692:Diatomaceous Earth / Q000737:chemistry*; D005506:Food Contamination / Q000032:analysis*; D005516:Food Microbiology / Q000379:methods*; D018857:Food Packaging / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D057230:Limit of Detection; D010209:Paper; D013499:Surface Properties
chemical_list: D064753:Ammonium Hydroxide; D007692:Diatomaceous Earth
keywords: Ammonia; Chemical sensor; Diatoms; Food safety; Packaging; Paper