The group of WU Zhengyan has clothed potatoes in “raincoat” to keep the surface away from moisture and inhibit sprouting, leading to toxic solanin. The raincoaat consisted of hydrophobic nano silica (H-SiO2) modified by nano silica with amino silicon oil (ASO). Residues of H-SiO2do not pass through the potato skin at all and can be easily washed off before cooking, which ensures food safety. Although, this technology is suitable for the storage of potatoes, it shows slightly negative effect on the germination of potatoes when the plant is used as a seed in soil.
CAS news release, July 12, 2018