DISPOSABLE AND SUSTAINABLE SENSOR FOR MONITORING ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY

• Grant number: 25/06253-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: July 01, 2025
• End date: June 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Analytical Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Sergio Antonio Spinola Machado
• Grantee: Pedro Santana Garcia
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química de São Carlos (IQSC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The development of analytical methods for the detection and quantification of polyphenolic compounds, especially those naturally present in foods, has received special interest because such organic molecules have biological properties associated with human health, including anti-inflammatory, antihistamine and antitumor activities, along with the ability to eliminate free radicals. High levels of substances found naturally in foods can alter the flavor and produce unwanted odors, therefore, phenolic compounds are considered an important indicator of food properties such as color, flavor and astringency. It is crucial to develop new low-cost and user-friendly technologies capable of carrying out decentralized monitoring of phenolic compounds, thus guaranteeing food quality. This research proposal aims to develop sustainable sensors for the detection of rutin as a proof of principle to determine the level of antioxidant activity by estimating the levels of "total polyphenols" present in food samples. Due to the growing need to replace materials from non-renewable sources and minimize waste production, bacterial cellulose (BC) will be used as a substrate for manufacturing sensors using the screen-printing technique. Bacterial cellulose will bring unique characteristics to the device produced, being a sustainable, biodegradable and non-toxic technology aiming to design environmentally friendly sensors. The results will be compared with the gold standard method using spectrophotometric protocols (Folin-Ciocalteu method) based on the reaction of phenols with a colorimetric reagent. Life cycle analysis (LCA) will be used to assess the environmental impact and obtain sustainability indicators for processes and products, aligning the project with the sustainable development objectives established by the United Nations (UN). (AU)