CDTI Project: PHOTONFOOD

Analytical techniques for measuring chemical and microbial contamination throughout the food chain require detection levels in the ppb range. Direct measurement of contaminants at these concentrations in a food matrix is not possible using any photonic principle. PHOTONFOOD seeks to overcome this barrier by developing an integrated solution that combines innovations in intelligent paper-based sample processing, mid-infrared (MIR) detection, and advanced data analysis.

Mid-infrared (MIR) spectroscopy has proven to be the most reliable and widely applied spectroscopic method for the detection, characterization, and quantification of chemical and microbial contamination. To transform MIR detection from existing laboratory-based solutions into a portable solution for widespread use in the food chain, PHTONFOOD is seeking to develop new infrared light sources, specifically interband cascade light-emitting diodes (IC-LEDs) and interband and quantum cascade lasers (ICL/QCLs). The light sources will be combined with sophisticated waveguide and 3D paper microfluidics technology.

The project will develop a solution consisting of: (1) a medium-fidelity (MI-FI) device with an expected low price range that can be used for daily monitoring, and (2) a mid-price range high-fidelity (HI-FI) device for reference analysis and accreditation. The solution will be validated and demonstrated in real-life scenarios for fungal and aquatic mold (oomycete) contamination, mycotoxins in wheat, nuts, dried fruits, and aquaponic herbs, as well as pesticides and antibiotics in aquaponic herbs.

The research will be conducted by a highly recognized, multidisciplinary research team in collaboration with leading mycotoxin testing laboratories, an aquaponics farm, a dry food distributor, and farms with on-site food processing and sales. Strategies will be developed to transfer the data obtained and integrate it into data platforms to track food contamination, improve food quality, and reduce waste.