‘Artificial tongue’ can detect chemical makeup of alcoholic drinks

Exciting advancements in drink quality assessment are on the horizon, with the development of a portable kit that can analyze alcoholic beverages with precision and efficiency. Comparable in size to a covid test, this innovative device, likened to an “artificial tongue,” has the capability to identify additives, toxins, and sweetness levels in just a few drops of the drink.

Lead researcher Shuo Huang from Nanjing University in China highlights the potential of future iterations of this technology to detect date rape drugs and methanol contamination, addressing critical safety concerns in the industry.

Traditional methods of drink analysis, such as liquid chromatography, are often labor-intensive and require specialized equipment and expertise. In contrast, the artificial tongue relies on biological nanopore technology, utilizing modified organisms like bacteria to create nanopores that can pull molecules of interest through for analysis.

These nanopores generate unique electrical signatures as molecules pass through them, allowing for the identification of specific compounds in the sample. Drawing parallels to the groundbreaking impact of nanopores in DNA sequencing, Huang and his team have successfully adapted this technology using Mycobacterium smegmatis bacteria.

Powered by artificial intelligence, the device can swiftly categorize the molecules passing through the nanopore, enabling quick identification of flavor compounds, additives, and even counterfeit products. Huang emphasizes the user-friendly nature of the device, likening its operation to a simple covid test that can be conducted anywhere with a drop of the beverage.

With its portability and efficiency, the nanopore detector represents a significant advancement in drink quality assessment, offering a convenient and reliable solution for manufacturers and consumers alike.