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Source: PIB
What is the News?
Indian Scientists have developed a composite paper made of carbon (graphene oxide) loaded with preservatives that can be used as wrappers to help extend shelf life of fruits.
What is the present system?
- Fruits are highly perishable and about 50% of the produce gets wasted, causing huge losses.
- Conventional preservation relies on coating the fruits with preservatives like resin, wax, or edible polymer.
- However, this current preservative dipping technology leads to preservatives being absorbed by the fruit causing chronic toxicity to the consumers.
What did the scientists develop?
- Indian Scientists have developed a graphene oxide carbon wrapper that releases the preservative only when needed.
- The wrapper is non-toxic and can also be reused which is not possible with the present technology.
About Graphene:
- Graphene is a single layer (monolayer) of carbon atoms arranged in a honeycomb-like pattern.
- Graphene is considered to be the world’s thinnest, strongest and most conductive material – of both electricity and heat.
- Uses: It can be used in applications ranging from miniaturised electronics to biomedical devices like computers, solar panels, batteries, sensors and other devices.
