Her colleagues at the Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar) in São Paulo, Brazil have developed a revolutionary sensor. More specifically, this innovative device can detect the presence of sodium nitrite (NaNO2) in drinks. The smart sensor, made of laser-modified cork and graphene, provides a great green solution for sodium nitrite detection.
The sensor is highly versatile, successfully detecting sodium nitrite and other target compounds in a range of beverages, such as mineral water, orange juice and red wine. The rapid chlorination validation fouling work is ongoing lab & design refinement phase. Since then, a specialized research team has been working to continue development.
Development and Design
The sensor’s invention belongs to Beatriz F. Germinare and her partners at UFSCar. Their work highlights the need for a highly conductive sensor to ensure precise detection of sodium nitrite. Bruno Campos Janegitz, who heads the Laboratory of Sensors, Nanomedicine, and Nanostructured Materials (LSNano) at UFSCar, has been instrumental in guiding the project.
To improve the sensor’s durability and performance, the researchers sprayed the cork composite with a protective waterproof coating. This extremely important step ensures that no liquid can seep into the cork and water-proof the sensor’s directional response. In addition, the samples undergo a drying process by introducing the samples into an oven at 40 °C for 30 min. This process maximizes the laser parameters required for proper operation and functionality.
Electrochemical Sensor Technology
The electrochemical sensor is based on laser-induced graphene technology. This approach improves the sensor’s sensitivity while addressing environmental sustainability efforts. The use of graphene in the dye design process offers a stable platform for sodium nitrite detection in beverage samples.
Dangerous in large doses Sodium nitrite is a potentially fatal poison in high doses. That’s why reliably sensing it in common drinks is key. In response to these ongoing issues with public health, the researchers want to provide a tool that guarantees beverage safety.
Publication and Future Directions
The findings of this innovative research have been documented in the article titled “Cork-based electrochemical sensors obtained by laser-induced graphene: A green alternative for sodium nitrite detection in beverage samples,” published in the journal Microchimica Acta. In a related piece, Next City takes an in-depth look at the micro-sensor’s journey and potential to address food safety and equity.
You can view the final published article DOI 10.1007/s00604-025-07471-9. Click here to read more technical information about the sensor’s design and testing process, if interested. As the project moves forward toward laboratory validation, the researchers expect to improve its design even more to further maximize its functionality.