UQ researchers from the University of Queensland’s Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN) have created breakthrough nanotech probes. Today, these probes stand to transform how consumers determine the freshness and nutritional quality of fruits, vegetables, and juices. Dr. Run Zhang directs the team as they develop microscopic probes to measure vitamin C levels. This powerful antioxidant, known as ascorbic acid, is present in a variety of fruits and vegetables. With applications in the agricultural industry, these probes have great potential in providing a holistic and efficient tool to producers, regulatory agencies, and consumers.
The probes have a metallic center wrapped in fluorescent color. This magic coating makes it possible for them to magically turn green when you touch them against different fruits and veggies. Currently, Dihua Tian, a Ph.D. scholar, is leading the project. She added that the probes will tout a full rainbow of colors from yellow to orange to brown based on produce being tested. This shift from color from green to bright orange is indicative of freshness and high nutritional content. It’s a key step for those interested in evaluating food quality.
Potential Applications in Agriculture
Through use cases and applications within the agricultural industry, Dr. Zhang illuminated the possible uses for these nanoprobes. He told us about how we could directly apply the technology to food and juice samples. Or, instead, we can use it to improve paper testing strips. The strips react with either cut or intact produce to turn color. This change in color indicates how much vitamin C the food has.
“Measuring vitamin C is therefore an essential step for producers, regulatory agencies, and consumers who want to simply evaluate food freshness and nutritional content,” – Dr. Zhang.
Vitamin C has important roles in our health. Its levels can vary dramatically due to factors such as transportation time from farm to fridge, exposure to heat, oxygen and light, soil quality and pesticide use during growing.
User-Friendly Analysis for Consumers
In her remarks, Dihua Tian said she was hopeful that the technology could help deliver easy-to-use forms of analysis as options for consumers. She described how this breakthrough could help to develop color visualizer phone apps. These apps are able to scan testing strips that are coated with their nanoprobes. With this kind of integration, it would be much easier for users to judge how fresh or healthy their food is, and more.
“We see great potential for more user-friendly analysis,” – Dihua Tian.
The researchers’ hope is that by making these assessments more user friendly, the consumers will be more empowered to choose healthier options. Simultaneously, this method will further enable producers to ensure proper quality standards are met. This double benefit highlights a rising culture of openness in food supply chains.
Supporting Environmental Sustainability
Beyond the nuts and bolts of their research, Dr. Zhang wants to highlight their findings’ larger implications for environmental sustainability. They help with nutrient management in crops by measuring vitamin C levels with incredible precision. Their aim is to encourage environmentally-friendly agricultural practices.
“Ultimately, we would be supporting environmental sustainability optimizing nutrient management in crops,” – Dr. Zhang.
The research has been documented in a recent publication with the DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2025.145347, highlighting its scientific validity and potential impact on various industries.