JAKARTA – The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) is developing a new technology to detect mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH) in palm oil in real-time. The technology utilizes a system of supramolecular recognition designed to identify specific molecular structures. The development of this sensor aims to create a faster and more selective detection method to support food safety monitoring.
Ane Nurjanah, a postdoctoral researcher at BRIN’s Research Center for Molecular Chemistry, stated that supramolecular recognition systems offer advantages in terms of selectivity as well as chemical and thermal stability. This system boasts high selectivity for specific structures and superior chemical and thermal stability compared to biological receptors.
“The system can also be modified with transducers or nanomaterials to enhance its performance and sensitivity,” Ane said during the “Jejak Kimia Molekuler #12” (Molecular chemical trace #12) webinar on Friday (25/09/2026).
Separating MOAH from MOSH
The development of the MOAH sensor involves two complementary strategies. The first stage involves separating mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons (MOSH) from MOAH using solvent extraction. This separation is necessary to minimize interference from the sample matrix, thereby allowing for better detection of the target compounds.
The subsequent stage involves detecting MOAH using various types of transducers. BRIN is developing approaches based on fluorescence, Raman spectroscopy, electrochemistry, and colorimetry (which produces a color change). These transducer systems are then combined with the supramolecular recognition system. This integration aims to enhance the sensor’s ability to identify the target compounds.
BRIN ultimately aims for the technology to be used directly at palm oil processing facilities. Ane explained that future development will focus on integrating the system with a smartphone-based real-time platform. With this approach, MOAH detection could potentially be performed directly on-site, including at palm oil processing plants.
“Future development will focus on integrating the system with a smartphone-based real-time platform. This would enable the method to be used for on-site MOAH detection, including at palm oil processing facilities,” explained Ane. This technology is still in its early stages. Currently, the MOAH detection research is at the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3.
BRIN Prepares Sensor Prototype
At TRL 3, the research encompasses the synthesis and characterization of the supramolecular system, selectivity testing against MOAH, and laboratory validation of the detection concept. The next phase will focus on prototype fabrication and testing within an industrial environment, aiming to reach TRL 5 or higher.
Ane noted that several aspects still require development before the sensor can be used to detect MOAH in palm oil. These include modifying host molecules to recognize MOAH—which consists of complex mixtures—optimizing the separation and preparation of crude palm oil (CPO) samples, and developing a digital system for palm oil quality monitoring.
BRIN envisions this technology as an alternative method for faster and more selective MOAH detection. This development is expected to support quality and safety monitoring for palm oil.
Sawitku.id. BRIN Kembangkan Sensor Real-Time untuk Deteksi MOAH pada Sawit. https://www.sawitku.id/nasional/81417687900/brin-kembangkan-sensor-real-time-untuk-deteksi-moah-pada-sawit
