Achim-Kohler_isolated
Testimonial The professionalism the accelopment team shows in their responsibilities is much appreciated.
Prof. Achim Kohler
PHOTONFOOD Project Coordinator
Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Norway

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PHOTONFOOD

Flexible mid-infrared photonic solutions for rapid farm-to-fork sensing of food contaminants

Analytical techniques for the measurements of chemical and microbial contaminations along the food chain require detection levels in the ppb range. A direct measurement of contaminants at these concentrations in a food matrix is not possible by any photonics principle. PHOTONFOOD aims to overcome this barrier by developing an integrated solution that combines innovations in smart paper-based sample treatment, mid-infrared (MIR) sensing and advanced data analysis. Mid-infrared (MIR) spectroscopy has proven to be the most reliable and broadly applicable spectroscopic method for detection, characterization and quantification of chemical and microbial contamination. To transform MIR sensing from existing lab solutions into a portable solution for broad usage in the food chain, PHTONFOOD aims to develop novel infrared light sources, specifically interband cascade light emitting diode (IC-LED), and interband and quantum cascade lasers (ICL/QCL). The light sources will be combined with sophisticated waveguide technology and 3D-paper microfluidics. The project will develop a solution consisting of: (1) A mid-fidelity (MI-FI) device with an envisioned low-price range that can be used for daily monitoring, and (2) a medium-price range high-fidelity (HI-FI) device for reference analysis and accreditation. The solution will be validated and demonstrated in real scenarios for fungal and water mould (oomycetes) contamination, mycotoxins in wheat, nuts, dried fruits and aquaponic-based herbs, as well as pesticides and antibiotics in aquaponic-based herbs. The research will be performed by a multidisciplinary and highly acknowledged research team in collaboration with leading mycotoxin analysis laboratories, an aquaponics farm, a distributor of dry foods and farms with on-site food processing and vending. Strategies for transferring the obtained data and integrating it into data platforms for tracing food contamination, improving food quality and reducing waste will be developed.

This project contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2, 9 and 12.

Coordinator:
Norwegian University of Life Sciences, NO

Partners:

Funded Project




AreaLife Science, Environment
ProgrammeCOST
Duration14.05.2014 - 13.05.2018
Budget0.5 million euro
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Communication, Dissemination, Exploitation



Your EU project and your research results are expected to have an impact on current societal challenges, Europe`s innovation capacity and competitiveness. Communication, dissemination and exploitation activities are essential in achieving these objectives. Many of these activities require specific skills such as graphic design, communication strategy development and science communication writing. We have this skill-set.

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Team



I am passionate about collaborating with researchers and transforming their ideas into tangible solutions. Their gratefulness is what drives me to do an outstanding job.

Dr. Johannes Ripperger
Research & Innovation Manager