A study published on July 7 in PNAS introduced a groundbreaking invention: an “artificial tongue” made from ultrathin graphene oxide membranes that can detect and process tastes directly in liquids, similar to human taste buds.
This remarkable technological breakthrough merges sensory detection with learning abilities, marking a first for electronic devices.
Graphene Oxide Layers Enable Precise Taste Detection Through Molecular Filtering
Made from graphene oxide layers, the device acts as a molecular filter, letting flavor ions pass through tiny channels to create distinct electrical signals. These signals enabled the device to identify tastes more accurately as it gained experience.
The key is slowing ion movement by up to 500 times, letting the device retain flavor information for about 140 seconds—enough to mimic short-term human memory.
The artificial tongue reached an accuracy of 72.5% to 87.5% in identifying basic tastes like sweet, bitter, salty, and sour. For more complex drinks such as coffee and soda, accuracy improved to 96%, thanks to their stronger electrical signatures.
Integrated Sensing Revolutionizes Electronic Tongues
Earlier “electronic tongue” systems had to function outside the liquid, using separate sensors and processing units. This device integrates sensing and processing in the liquid, enabling more compact and natural intelligent systems.
This invention can assist in monitoring diseases and medication effects through taste analysis, as well as in quality control of liquids and detection of contamination.
Currently, the prototype is still bulky and consumes a lot of energy. Researchers acknowledge the need to enhance its size, energy efficiency, and incorporate smaller sensors. This artificial tongue ushers in a new generation of intelligent sensors that work organically, autonomously, and seamlessly in liquid environments.
Read the original article on: Metropoles
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