A UMH startup is studying expanding its smart label to cosmetics to warn when to apply sunscreen

ALICANTE, 29 Sep. (EUROPA PRESS) -

The start-up Oscillum from the Miguel Hernández University Science Park (PCUMH) in Elche (Alicante) is studying expanding its smart label to other areas, such as cosmetics or pharmaceuticals, which would, for example, warn about when to use sunscreen to avoid skin burns.

Currently, the startup has developed the SmartLabel smart label, which allows detecting the state of decomposition of foods such as meat, fish or fruits, thanks to polymers and chemical sensors, as indicated by the UMH in a statement.

The innovation and "potential" of this technology has led the company to study its use in other areas, such as cosmetics or pharmaceuticals. In fact, the startup is studying the implementation of an identifier to detect the level of sun exposure and determine when a user should administer sunscreen to avoid skin burns.

This intelligent identifier will be capable of detecting the level of sun exposure and would be placed on surfaces that are in contact with the sun, such as hats or umbrellas. Through a color code, the label will indicate to the user when it is advisable to protect themselves from solar radiation again.

Oscillum's Director of Operations, Luis Chimeno, highlighted that the possibilities offered by this technology "have also attracted attention in different sectors besides food." "Representatives from fields such as cosmetics or pharmaceuticals have contacted us because they are interested in knowing if our know-how could be extrapolated to their sectors," he stated.

"Our technology has multiple uses and can be adapted to different products. In the food sector it can indicate the degree of decomposition of food, but it could also be used to know, for example, the actual date on which a cream is no longer useful. or safe, or to detect the degradation of active ingredients such as insulin," explained Chimeno.

Oscillum is promoted by Biotechnology graduates from the UMH and students from the Luis Chimeno University, Pilar Granado and Pablo Sosa, and was one of the winners of the UMH Marathon program.

The intelligent and compostable label that they have developed is capable of visually alerting the decomposition of food, thanks to polymers and chemical sensors. Specifically, the polymers give this technology mechanical properties, while the chemical sensors are responsible for analyzing and detecting in real time the molecules produced by the decomposition of food.

Currently, SmartLabel is already fully functional for fresh meat and fish and the company has announced that by the end of 2023 they seek to market in Europe a new smart label developed to analyze the state of fruits.