China: experts create food packaging using techniques used in space

The Chinese Academy of Space Technology has introduced a method of food preservation which is based on technologies used in the Chinese space station, with this method the food freshness on earth. A system has been developed that involves the use of a flexible membrane that can block gases and germs.

In a video shared by the institution, researchers can be seen dividing a piece of tofu into two parts and wrapping them separately: one in a conventional packaging and the other in a container made with the new material. This information was reported by state broadcaster CGTN on Friday.

After seven days, the tofu in the regular package had decomposed, while that preserved by the membrane remained fresh.

Researcher Cai Yuhong, quoted by the network, pointed out that the material usually used in the chinese market It is a silver aluminum sheet similar to that found in potato chip containers, which has drawbacks such as its opacity, its inability to be used in a microwave and its difficulty in recycling.

“The new material we have developed is inspired by the space coating technology”Cai stated.

The original purpose of this technology was to protect cables from Spacial station of atomic oxygen, formed by oxygen molecules decomposed by sunlight capable of eroding the materials and components of the spaceships.

The process of developing a protective membrane for food based on this technologya project that began in 2016, was “quite challenging”Cai recalled.

Dong Maojin, one of the project participants cited by CGTN, indicated that the membrane meets very strict water resistance requirements.

Laboratory tests showed that the film’s water vapor transmission rate was only 0.2 grams per square meter per day: “If a football field were covered with this material, the amount of water molecules that could pass through it each day would be the size of your thumb.”Dong explained.

According to the research team, these packaging materials defined as “high barrier” could serve as an alternative for food preservation in the future, reducing or even eliminating the need for additives and preservatives in foods, which would protect both the quality of foods and extend their shelf life.

In recent years, Beijing has invested heavily in its space program and has achieved milestones such as the successful landing of the aforementioned lunar missions and the construction of its own space station.