AI-Powered Solution Revealed by Researchers to Prevent Food Spoilage

Health

Researchers Unveil AI-Powered Solution to Prevent Food Spoilage, Revolutionizing Food Preservation

A team of chemists has made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of food preservation. In a study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, they have revealed the remarkable potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in combatting food rancidity and extending the shelf life of food products containing oils and fats.

Food rancidity occurs when food is exposed to air for a prolonged period, a process known as oxidation. This deterioration is particularly common in lipids, which include fats and oils. Factors such as heat and UV light can expedite this process, resulting in the formation of ketones, aldehydes, and fatty acids that give rancid food its unpleasant odor.

To counteract oxidation and prevent food spoilage, antioxidants play a crucial role. These can be natural molecules like vitamin C or synthetic compounds that protect food from the harmful effects of oxidation. However, determining the optimal combination and quantity of antioxidants is a complex task. Adding antioxidants randomly can lead to decreased effectiveness or even antagonistic effects.

To tackle this challenge, the research team turned to AI. They trained an AI model to identify novel antioxidant combinations that effectively combat food rancidity. The AI model was taught using a database of approximately one million chemical reactions and essential chemistry concepts. It was then fine-tuned using a database of over 1,100 antioxidant mixtures described in research literature.

The AI quickly became proficient at predicting the outcomes of combining two or three antioxidants, aligning with the literature’s descriptions 90% of the time. However, real-world lab experiments didn’t always align with the AI’s predictions, highlighting the complexities of translating computer results to the lab.

Undeterred, the research team continued to refine the AI model by incorporating data from their own lab experiments. By adding around 200 examples, the AI’s predictive abilities significantly improved, accurately forecasting the effects of antioxidant combinations with minimal deviation from actual outcomes.

The implications of this AI-powered approach are immense. It can assist scientists in developing more effective ways to preserve food by determining the best antioxidant combinations for specific food products. This AI assistant could be a game-changer in the lab, streamlining the process and potentially reducing production costs.

With this innovative solution, the fight against food spoilage takes a leap forward. Stay tuned for more updates here at Tech Times.

© 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.