PHOTON FOOD

Photonic Solutions for Rapid Form-to-fork Sensing of Food Contaminants (PHOTONFOOD)

The PHOTONFOOD consortium will develop a sensor technology based on mid-infrared (MIR) spectroscopic tools and paper-based microfluidics for cost-effective, fast and reliable detection of food contaminations in farm-to-fork scenarios with a special focus on aquaponic farming products.

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 theses 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 to broad usage in the food chain, PHOTONFOOD aims to develop novel infrared light sources, specifically interband cascade light emitting diodes (ICLED), 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 a mid-fidelity (MI-FI) device with an envisioned low-price range that can be used for daily monitoring, and 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.

PHOTONFOOD has received funding by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No. 101016444 and is part of the Photonics Public Private Partnership.

CATALIGHT

CataLight explores the controlled linkage of molecular light-driven catalytic units with hierarchically structured soft matter matrices to convert solar radiation into chemical reactivity. Our teams will develop molecular light-driven chromophores and catalysts, and establish concepts for their integration into soft matter matrices. Hierarchical nanostructuring into membranes, colloids, and thin films will give unprecedented control over substrate and product transport, and will be used to tune catalytic self-regulation, stimuli-responsiveness and triggered repair. In-depth experimental and theoretical studies will provide fundamental insights into the mechanisms which govern catalytic reactivity and stability. CataLight will therefore establish general design concepts for light-driven molecular catalysts in soft matter matrices.

Sonderforschungsbereich Transregio (SFB/TRR) 234 "CataLight"

Founded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - project number 364549901

BREAK BIOFILMS

Biofilms, communities of microorganisms that attach and grow on a solid surface, cause about 80% of infections in humans, and disinfectants rarely succeed in destroying them. They cost European economy billions of euros annually. The BREAK BIOFILMS Training Network aims to solve this issue by training the next generation leaders. They will understand the (bio)physicochemical mechanisms of biofilm formation, be able to produce technology for detecting and identifying biofilm formation with extreme sensitivity, and develop next generation biocides for preventing and destroying biofilms in industrial and biomedical areas.

Grant Agreement number: 813439

MIRACLE

Mid-infrared arthroscopy innovative imaging system for real-time clinical in-depth examination and diagnosis of degenerative joint disease

MIRACLE will push towards commercialisation the first mid-infrared (MIR) arthroscopy probe for in-depth evaluation of articular cartilage enabling early diagnosis of degenerative joint diseases such as osteoarthritis (OA). The proposed device is intended for use during arthroscopy, a minimally invasive surgery. Currently, the surgeon’s decision-making is based on visual inspection and manual probing of the cartilage tissue which is highly subjective and of poor repeatability. MIRACLE concept is to assess changes to the biochemical composition of articular cartilage, which precede OA. This will be achieved combining three novel photonics components: (i) a quantum cascade laser array tailored to biodiagnostics, (ii) an on-chip beam combiner for efficient radiation coupling, and (iii) a MIR sensing probe for imaging. These components will be integrated in a medical device to be placed in the arthroscopy market. In addition, to add value to the European medical equipment industry, MIRACLE strives towards cost reduction of OA patients contributing to more affordable public healthcare and promoting well-being in the European ageing Population.

Grant agreement No 780598

sponsert by Photonics21

VIDEO:  Mid-infrared arthroscopy innovative imaging system for real-time clinical in depth examination and diagnosis of degenerative joint diseases & 

YouTube-Link 1. & YouTube-Link 2.

Jahresbericht der Universität Ulm, 2017, Page 3

Flyer 2018