Week 1 HW: Principles and Practices

title: ‘Smart Packaging: Biosensors to Reduce Food Waste’

#h6 Heading ‘Describe a biological engineering application or tool you want to develop and why’

1. I would be looking to develop bio-responsive materials by including engineered biosensors into food packaging. Using engineered E. coli or B. subtilis with a color-changing sensor that detect spoilage, microbial growth, or pH changes, the packaging will provide a clear visual indicator to help consumers gauge food freshness. Using plant-based polymers like PLA or PHA will ensure the packaging is biodegradable. For example, this could be applied to plastic wraps on meat, prepared foods, etc. This tool would make it easier for companies and consumers to make informed choices about food freshness, safety, and nutrition, supporting sustainability and reducing waste

#h6 Heading ‘Governance and policy goals ensuring its contribution to an ethical future’

1. A key governance goal would be to ensure consumer safety by regulating biosensor accuracy, preventing false positives/negatives that could lead to consumer harm or food waste. Sub-goal would be informed of environmental imapct of the entire life cycle of the packaging, ethical sourcing of the biodegradable polymers (e.g., PLA, PHA), and labeling transparency for companies and consumers.

#h6 Heading ‘Potential governance actions by considering: Purpose, Design, Assumptions, Risks of Failure and Success’