Plankton on the hit children’s show “SpongeBob SquarePants” once complained to his computer wife Karen that he was tired of eating “holographic meatloaf,” and wants “some real food.”
What was once met to be a joke in a kids show is now kind of becoming a reality. Scientists are currently developing what is being described as ‘edible holograms.’ And while the developmental products aren’t exactly what Plankton ‘ate,’ it is certainly another step forward in sci-fi food development.
According to a new study from the American Chemical Society, they predict that edible holograms will soon one day decorate various food items – holograms made from nanotechnology.
According to a report from Study Finds, a global research team has developed a “laser-based method to print nanostructured holograms on dried corn syrup films.” The authors of the study believe this ‘groundbreaking’ technology will ensure greater food safety, provide sugar content info, and products labels.
Study Finds notes that holograms are actually in many uses, and can be found on credit cards, driver’s licenses, and some product packaging. Manufacturers already have the ability to laser-print holograms on some metal surfaces such as aluminum.
In terms of making them edible, researchers have proposed using nanoparticles to imprint hologram designs onto food items. However, these nanoparticles generate reactive oxygen species which could be dangerous to our bodies.
‘Some scientists have been able to work around this issue by “molding” holograms onto pieces of chocolate, but this strategy also has flaws and is limited in its scope. It only works for certain confection types, and an entirely new mold is necessary for each hologram,’ says the Study Finds report.
In order to find a workaround for this, the researchers created a concoction consisting of vanilla, corn syrup, and water. The solution was then dried into a thin film and layered with a fine layer of non-toxic black dye.
Proceeding this, a technique known as “direct laser interference patterning” was used to remove most of the black dye layer, leaving raised nanoscale lines forming a diffraction grating. When light then strikes the substance, it diffracts into a rainbow pattern of varying colors. According to the study findings, ‘Researchers could even control the intensity and range of colors displayed by changing up the spacing between lines in the grating or the sugar levels of the corn syrup film.’
The study concludes noting that this new technology is not yet ready for the shelves, as the researchers have yet to apply their method to a food-grade dye. Though, the report mentions, we should be “be bracing ourselves for some holographic dining experiences in the future.”
AUTHOR COMMENTARY
As the study attempted to put a positive spin on these new developments, my immediate thoughts of this are just how insanely unhealthy and toxic this must be. They claim it is not, but I don’t believe that baloney for a moment. But I am sure when this inevitably hits the shelves, mainstream media will pump up its “awesomeness” and tell us how healthy it is, especially for growing children – only years later tell the obedient masses that “new studies show that eating holograms melt your brain, so now scientists have created ‘diet holograms.'” I say some of that a bit tongue and cheek but that is precisely what the media would say and do, and I can hear them now.
I am sure this will be one of the “utopian” delicacies of the future smart cities.
[1] When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before thee: [2] And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite. [3] Be not desirous of his dainties: for they are deceitful meat.Proverbs 23:1-3
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But why on earth do people pursue these kinds of things? Are not the natural colors of food good enough for them?
There’s people out there that color food, baked goods – etc already
That’d be like eating a projector. What’s for dinner? *Turns on the holographic camera* whatever you’re in the mood for. No thanks, farmed or humanely slaughtered foods for me and all, please.