London: Want to gauge how hot a chilli is? Nanotechnology can help, says a new study.

Scientists have turned to carbon nanotubes to accurately gauge the hotness of chillies - hitherto the job of professional food tasters.

The technology might soon be available commercially as a cheap, disposable sensor for use in the food industry.

Richard Compton of Oxford University has developed a sensitive technique to measure the levels of capsaicinoids, substances that make chillies hot, in samples of chilli sauce.

The new method is expected to be quicker and cheaper than tasters and also more reliable for purposes of food standards; tests could be rapidly carried out on the production line.

They tested a range of chilli sauces, from the mild 'Tabasco Green Pepper' sauce to 'Mad Dog's Revenge', which sports an extensive health warning and liability disclaimer.