Scientists have created a patch that signals about the quality of meat

Scientists from the Canadian University of McMaster presented a patch Sentinel Wrap with attached biosensors, which can determine whether meat is contaminated by specific parts of the DNA of Salmonella and Escherichia coli. Scientists have published their work in the journal ACS Nano, agronews.ua reported.

The patch works due to deoxyribozyme - a special DNA molecule that cleaves the mediating molecule in the synthesis of RNA. The molecules of deoxyribozyme together with the light protein are attached to the patch, when there is no danger, the luminescence is blocked by the "suppressor" protein. The patch can work for two weeks. This is the expiration date, as a rule, which is indicated on packages with chilled meat.

In the future, the patch can replace the stickers with expiry date. In addition, with its help it will be possible to transfer information about products to the buyer's smartphone. The biomaterial can react not only to the E. coli - it can be tuned to any bacteria that are dangerous to humans.