FoodSense

The main goal of the FoodSense project is to develop, test and validate an innovative filling system for the food industry, for application in the production process of mayonnaise and ice cream, allowing the rapid online detection of different microorganisms.

The FoodSense Project intends to provide a solution (filling equipment line) that will allow in-process microbiological parameters monitor and control, upstream of the production line, still in the reactor prior to the actual filling of the product. The solution will integrate 4 components in an industrial prototype – the FoodSense system: 1) Biosensor for microbiological parameters analysis consisting of two modules – a microfluidic sample preparation module and a microbiological detection module; 2) a reactor tank, where food products remain before proceeding to the 3) 4-station automatic filler; and a 4) FoodSense interface, consisting of a management system with an intuitive user interface and an alert system for non-conforming samples.

The FoodSense project will take advantage of new emergent technologies – such as nanotechnologies, microsystems, biosensors and TICE – and the technical knowledge developed in the field of microbiology and molecular biology, promoting technological transfer to filling equipment industry and food sector, seeking to provide an integrated response to food safety and quality.