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September 22, 2025 - GTU Office of Press and Public Relations GTU scientists develop a TÜBİTAK-supported sensor that not only measures harmful pesticide residues but also visually indicates them through a color change.
Pesticide residues in food pose significant risks to both consumer health and export processes, and detecting deltamethrin, a pesticide commonly found in vegetables and fruits, is particularly important. To address this issue, a research team led by Assoc. Prof. Duygu Akyüz-Çubukçu from the Department of Chemistry at Gebze Technical University (GTU) Faculty of Science conducted a TÜBİTAK 3501 Career Development Program project titled “Molecularly Imprinted Polymer-Based Electrochromic Pesticide Sensor.” Within the scope of this project, the team has developed a new-generation electrochemical sensor capable of detecting deltamethrin residues in food.
The sensor uses molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) technology, specifically designed to recognize deltamethrin. When deltamethrin is detected in a food sample, the sensor measures even very low residue levels with high precision and simultaneously provides a visible warning through a color change. This enables rapid and reliable on-site detection without the need for a laboratory environment.
The main advantages of this innovative technology are as follows: Speed and Low Cost: Enables real-time monitoring throughout the food chain. High Sensitivity: Can detect even trace amounts of residues. Practical Use: The color-change feature allows non-experts to use it easily.
This groundbreaking study is considered an important step toward enhancing food safety, protecting consumers, ensuring export reliability, and supporting sustainable agriculture. The research results have been published in the prestigious scientific journal Food Chemistry (2025).
Authors: Master’s student Esma Mutlu, Assoc. Prof. Ahmet Şenocak, Prof. Erhan Demirbaş, Prof. Atıf Koca, and Assoc. Prof. Duygu Akyüz (Department of Chemistry, Gebze Technical University) 👉 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.141121
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