NETOCAST (Podcast - José Castanhas Neto) · NETOCAST - José Castanhas Neto

NETOCAST 1539 de 18/03/2023 - Pesquisadores brasileiros desenvolvem sensor de papel para detectar presença de agrotóxico

·26 min·2 clips

Brazilian researchers created a cheap paper sensor that detects a carcinogenic pesticide banned by Anvisa on fruits.

The episode begins with host José Castanhas Neto introducing the show and its sponsors, including Emporium do Bacalhau. The main segment is an interview with a professor, referred to as Professor Oswaldo, who explains a paper sensor developed by Brazilian researchers at USP in São Carlos. This sensor uses carbon fiber strips on paper to detect the pesticide carbendazine, which is prohibited by Anvisa because it is toxic and carcinogenic. The sensor is connected to a portable device similar to a ligosimeter, measuring current changes when the pesticide is present. Unlike traditional methods that require sending samples to labs and crushing food, this sensor is non-invasive and can be used in fields, supermarkets, or food industries. The professor highlights that the sensor is very cheap due to its paper-based design. He contrasts this with expensive imported equipment used in research. The discussion expands to other applications of similar technology, such as a sensor adhered to skin that monitors urea concentration in sweat to alert for heart attack risk, avoiding invasive blood tests. The professor notes that while paper sensors exist internationally, their innovation lies in the specific treatment for carbendazine detection. He emphasizes the importance of this for food safety and rural worker health, as workers are more exposed to pesticides than consumers. The conversation touches on water contamination from hormones and medicines, which are not eliminated by conventional water treatment, and how the sensor could monitor such pollutants. The professor explains that the research continues to develop sensors for other substances like vitamin D and seeks partnerships with companies for commercialization, as universities do not handle product scaling. The episode concludes with thanks, sponsor messages, and information on supporting the podcast through patronage platforms like Padrim and PicPay.

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