In a significant technological breakthrough, researchers from the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Rourkela and the University of the Philippines Los Baños have developed an IoT-enabled smart colourimeter to monitor the quality of ingredients in processed food. This device allows for real-time tracking of colour and temperature changes, making it particularly useful for studying oleogels and fat alternatives used in the food industry.
📊 How the IoT-Enabled Colourimeter Works
The smart colourimeter is equipped with advanced features for:
- Remote monitoring of food samples.
- Data logging for continuous quality assessment.
- Automated analysis to detect minute changes in food colour and temperature, aiding in quality control.
🍲 Impact on Food Processing Industry
Processed foods often rely on solid fats for texture and stability, but these fats contain unhealthy trans and saturated fats, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases and obesity. To address this, the industry has been turning to oleogels—which transform liquid oils into gel-like solids using plant-based polymers, waxes, or other additives—as a healthier alternative.
However, oleogels face challenges like instability due to oil migration, which compromises food quality. The IoT-enabled colourimeter effectively detects these instabilities, ensuring consistent food quality and safety.
🔬 Research Recognition and Patent
The findings of this study were published in the Journal of Food Engineering, and the researchers have secured a patent for the technology (Patent No. 560281, Application No. 202231075092).
Research Team
The project was led by:
- Dr. Kunal Pal, Professor, Department of Biotechnology and Medical Engineering, NIT Rourkela.
- Deblu Sahu, PhD Scholar, NIT Rourkela.
- Dr. Sirsendu Sekhar Ray, Assistant Professor, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong.
- Dr. Sivaraman Jayaraman and Dr. Bala Chakravarthy, Assistant Professors, NIT Rourkela.
- Dr. Floirendo Flores, Professor, Institute of Food Science & Technology, University of the Philippines Los Baños.
🛠️ Future Applications
The IoT-enabled device holds immense potential for both research and industrial applications, enabling food manufacturers to:
- Improve quality control and food safety.
- Ensure consistency in processed foods.
- Develop healthier fat alternatives with better stability.
This innovation marks a significant step toward safer and healthier food production using cutting-edge IoT technology.
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