SENSORA Operational Group: Biosensor for microbial detection and quality control in the food chain of ready-to-eat products

Understanding Microbiological Degradation: The SENSORA project will enable researchers to understand how the organoleptic and microbiological quality of refrigerated ready meals, such as Galo de Curral, evolves throughout their shelf life. This analysis will identify the main indicators of deterioration that affect food safety. This knowledge will allow companies to better adjust their production, preservation, and distribution processes. As a result, users will be able to optimize the actual shelf life of their products, reduce health risks, and improve inventory management. The practical application of these results will facilitate more precise decision-making, preventing economic losses and improving operational efficiency.

SENSORA will develop a colorimetric biosensor capable of detecting microbial growth in refrigerated prepared meals through a visible color change. This device will allow for monitoring the condition of food without the need for laboratory analysis or specialized personnel. For companies, it represents a simple and low-cost tool that facilitates real-time quality control. Its application will allow for the direct identification of when a product is no longer suitable, improving food safety and reducing uncertainty in management. Furthermore, its ease of interpretation will allow its use by operators, distributors, and consumers, adding value to the entire supply chain.

Industrial Application of the Biosensor: The project will validate the integration of the biosensor into the industrial processes of packaging chilled ready meals, evaluating its performance under real-world production, distribution, and consumption conditions. This application will allow for the monitoring of each product unit throughout the entire supply chain, detecting potential failures such as cold chain breaks. For companies, this represents a direct improvement in traceability and risk management, enabling a reduction in preventative recalls and food waste. Its implementation will facilitate more efficient decision-making, optimizing costs and increasing profitability, without requiring significant modifications to existing processes.

SENSORA will develop graphic materials and outreach content to facilitate the transfer of results to the agri-food sector. These materials will clearly explain how the biosensor works and how it can be applied in real-world settings. For end users, this provides access to practical and understandable information that facilitates the adoption of the technology. Its use will allow companies and professionals to improve their food safety and quality control processes. Furthermore, these resources will contribute to increasing the visibility of the innovation, promoting its implementation and generating new opportunities for improvements in efficiency and competitiveness.

Design and preparation of materials (dossier and flyer): The SENSORA project will generate clear and accessible informational materials, such as dossiers, technical data sheets, infographics, and flyers, that explain the biosensor's operation and benefits in a practical way. These materials will allow food companies, cooperatives, and operators to understand how to apply the technology in their processes without requiring advanced technical knowledge. Their main value lies in facilitating the adoption of innovation by visually demonstrating how to improve food safety and traceability. Users can employ them as a guide to integrate the biosensor into their daily operations, improve communication with customers, and increase confidence in their products.

Generation and dissemination of online content: SENSORA will develop a digital strategy based on online content (blog, social media, newsletters) to continuously share project progress and results. This information will allow companies in the sector to understand how the biosensor works and what benefits it offers under real-world conditions. As a result, users will have easy access to up-to-date information that helps them evaluate its application in their production processes. The main benefit is having practical and current knowledge that facilitates decision-making, improves competitiveness, and allows for the reduction of losses associated with microbiological spoilage, without requiring large investments.

Presentation at Foodtech Sector Events: The SENSORA project will be presented at trade fairs, conferences, and workshops in the agri-food sector, showcasing the biosensor in real-world settings and facilitating direct contact with companies and professionals. These activities will allow users to experience firsthand how the technology works and resolve any questions about its implementation. The main benefit is bringing innovation closer to the sector, facilitating its adoption through practical demonstrations. Participants will be able to identify application opportunities within their companies, improve their quality control processes, and reduce risks and costs associated with food recalls or waste.

Promoting collaboration with the foodtech and agritech ecosystem: SENSORA will foster collaboration with companies, associations, clusters, and platforms within the agri-food ecosystem to facilitate technology transfer and replicability. These partnerships will enable the biosensor to be adapted to different products and business models, expanding its impact on the sector. For end users, this means access to a validated solution supported by a network of specialized stakeholders. The main benefit is the ability to implement innovation with less risk, share experiences, and access new business opportunities, improving efficiency, food safety, and business competitiveness.