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A Spanish research center offers a simultaneous sensor for mercaptans and 4-ethylphenol.

Summary

Profile Type
  • Technology offer
POD Reference
TOES20240116007
Term of Validity
16 January 2024 - 15 January 2026
Company's Country
  • Spain
Type of partnership
  • Commercial agreement with technical assistance
  • Research and development cooperation agreement
Targeted Countries
  • All countries
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General information

Short Summary
A Spanish research group offers electrochemical sensor capable of performing in-situ sampling to determine simultaneous concentrations of sulphur compounds and 4-ethylphenol.

The research group is looking for commercial and/or research and development cooperation agreements.
Full Description
The Spanish research center has successfully developed various chemical devices. The main objective of this group is to design and construct cutting-edge tools that can contribute to advancements in the food industry.

This technology is based on an electrochemical sensor designed for the simultaneous detection of mercaptans and 4-ethylphenol in wines. The sensor utilizes dual-screen-printed carbon devices where the working electrodes are modified with cobalt phthalocyanine (CoPh) and fullerene (C60). The electrode modification enhances the conductivity, sensitivity, and selectivity of the sensor.

The detection method is conducted in the gas phase, avoiding direct contact of the sensor with the wine sample. This is crucial for maintaining product quality. The four electrodes (two working, the auxiliary, and the reference) are coated with a gelified polymer film composed of a mixture of polyvinylidene fluoride, 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, and 1-methyl-3-octylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate, which acts as a supporting electrolyte.

An additional advantage of this technology is its ability to efficiently and cost-effectively conduct preventive diagnostics of critical compounds without direct contact with the sample. This enables early detection of defects in wine and the implementation of corrective measures before they significantly impact product quality, providing an innovative and effective solution for the wine and food industry.

The research center is interested in contact with different partners. Commercial agreements are sought and partners for research cooperation agreements are welcome as well.
Advantages and Innovations
• Increased Analysis Efficiency and Sensitivity: The ability to simultaneously detect mercaptans and 4-ethylphenol in wines in the gas phase significantly improves analysis efficiency. Evaluating both critical compounds at the same time saves time and resources compared to traditional methods.

• Preserved Product Quality: Non-contact detection with the liquid sample is a key advantage, ensuring that the wine is not affected or contaminated during the analysis process. This is essential for preserving the quality and integrity of the final product.

• Early Diagnosis of Defects: The capability for routine and on-site analysis allows for early detection of defects in wines. This is crucial for taking corrective measures preventively and avoiding issues that may impact product quality.

• Cost-Efficient: The ability to conduct preventive diagnostics with minimal cost is a significant advantage. It enables wineries and food companies to control the quality of their products without incurring excessive expenses.

• Ease of Use: The capability for on-site analysis and the user-friendly nature of the technology makes it accessible for a wide range of users, from small wineries to large food companies.

This innovative electrochemical sensor technology, designed for simultaneous detection of mercaptans and 4-ethylphenol in wines, offers increased analysis efficiency and sensitivity. Utilizing dual-screen-printed carbon devices with electrode modification, it enhances conductivity and selectivity. The gas-phase detection method avoids direct contact with the wine sample, preserving product quality. Coated electrodes with a gelified polymer film enable cost-efficient preventive diagnostics, allowing early defect detection. Additionally, this device is characterized by its low cost, compact size, and user-friendly design. It has undergone laboratory testing with validated results and is now ready for commercialization.
Stage of Development
  • Available for demonstration
Sustainable Development Goals
  • Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being
  • Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
IPR status
  • IPR applied but not yet granted

Partner Sought

Expected Role of a Partner
The primary activity of interest encompasses industries such as analytical instrumentation, sensor technology, or agrofood technology.

The collaboration is aimed at advancing and implementing the electrochemical sensor technology in sectors that benefit from simultaneous compound detection, such as the agrofood industry or other fields requiring precise and efficient analytical solutions.

In addition, they are looking for a research groups and research institutions to collaborate to transfer and bring the technology to the next level and, additionally, apply for European funds.
Type and Size of Partner
  • University
  • SME 11-49
  • SME 50 - 249
  • SME <=10
  • Other
  • Big company
  • R&D Institution
Type of partnership
  • Commercial agreement with technical assistance
  • Research and development cooperation agreement

Dissemination

Technology keywords
  • 08002001 - Detection and Analysis methods
  • 05001001 - Analytical Chemistry
  • 09001002 - Analyses / Test Facilities and Methods
  • 06005002 - Sensors & Wireless products
Market keywords
  • 05001001 - Diagnostic services
  • 07003002 - Health food
  • 05007004 - Monitoring equipment
  • 07003001 - Wine and liquors
Sector Groups Involved
  • Agri-Food
Targeted countries
  • All countries