As a contribution to farmers and food safety, research by the Center for the Development of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (CEDENNA) and the Agricultural Research Institute (INIA) is developing a technique that uses fluorescent nanoparticles to detect pesticide concentrations in fruits and vegetables.
This innovation will make it easier to measure the Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) of pesticides in fruits and vegetables, saving producers time and resources compared to other traditional methods used to determine levels of these pest control substances.
““We aim to address two main points: time and cost. That is, nanoparticles and new technologies will make it possible to achieve shorter analysis times and lower operating costs,” says Rafael Melo, CEDENNA researcher and Head of the Pesticide Residues and Environment Laboratory at INIA La Platina.
He explains that after harvesting their fruit, producers will need to take it to a laboratory that in the future has this technique. There, the extraction/cleaning stage will be carried out and an extract of the harvest will be obtained. This extract undergoes the analysis process to detect, through the nanoparticles, the pesticide concentration in the food. This is key to determining whether the Maximum Residue Limits (MRL) for pesticides established by Exempt Resolution 892 of the Ministry of Health are met.
“This is key for both the domestic and foreign markets, given the current MRL standards developed according to the latest regulations of the Codex Alimentarius, the European Union and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA),” emphasizes CEDENNA’s director and National Science Prize winner, Dora Altbir.
OTHER PROJECTS FOR AGRIBUSINESS
This project joins other developments by CEDENNA that provide nanotechnology solutions to agribusiness problems and challenges.
For example, work is currently under way on new packaging incorporating nanoparticles with antimicrobial, antioxidant or ethylene-absorbing capabilities, extending food shelf life.
In addition, there is a sensor to detect pathogens such as listeria, which can deliver results in situ within minutes, significantly reducing time and costs.
“At CEDENNA we do science at the service of Chile and its people, seeking innovative, reliable and safe solutions to problems in various sectors: the environment, agribusiness, mining and energy, among others. We have long experience in the use of nanomaterials and have the specialized equipment to make an impact in various areas,” says Dr. Altbir.
