Development of highly selective electronic nose using molecular imprinted polymer (MIP) for recognition of fruit ripeness

Abstract

Traditionally, fruits are harvested through conventional methods which are based on smell, texture and harvesting time. This analytical technique has many disadvantages in terms of objectivity and subjectivity. Electronic nose (enose) is an artificial olfaction device that is able to replicate the human olfactory sense. By determining various fruits volatile released during pre-matured until matured period, one can actually selectively establish the exact time of a fruit to ripe. In this research, innovative electronic nose will consists of a multi-sensors array based MIP (Molecularly Imprint Polymer) and tuned to give a fingerprint of fruit aroma volatiles when a fruit is ripe. The classification findings of this study provide breakthrough for the agricultural sector since volatile sensing of chemical markers would help to ensure to maintain their quality and standards during fruit harvesting time.