The Sentinel Bioactive Paper Network is developing models of paper test strips that can help detect the presence of things such as communicable diseases, food-borne illnesses and water contamination. (Sentinel Bioactive Paper Network)

Canadian researchers using a modified inkjet printer have developed specially treated paper capable of testing for the presence of toxins that can cause food poisoning.

Researchers at Hamilton's McMaster University, working with the Sentinel Bioactive Paper Network, said the special paper is created by "printing" layers of chemicals onto one sheet.

The sheet can then be used to detect the presence of potentially harmful chemicals in a manner similar to how home pregnancy test strips indicate the presence of the hormone chorionic gonadotrophin in urine.

Writing in the July issue of the journal Analytical Chemistry, John Brennan and his research team at McMaster describe the technique using a FujiFilm Dimatix Materials Printer.

The process involves the creation of two inks: one made of silica nanoparticles that attach to the paper, and a second ink that bonds with the first and contains an enzyme capable of reacting to the presence of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors — toxins found in some insecticides, poisons and nerve agents.

The combined ink reacts to the toxin by changing colour, depending on the concentration of the toxin.

In the wake of the SARS epidemic that swept through Toronto in 2003, the concept of developing bioactive paper was conceived by a group of scientists led by McMaster chemical engineering professor Robert Pelton, who is also Sentinel's scientific director.

They hoped to develop bioactive paper models that can decrease the threat from communicable diseases, food-borne illnesses and water contamination, while boosting Canada's forest products industry.