Innovative Amperometric Gas Sensors for Monitoring Post-Harvest Food Quality and Safety

Phase I Proposal: “GAS SENSORS FOR FOOD SAFETY AND ECONOMY IN THE FOOD SUPPLY CHAIN” Summary/Abstract The proposed work will provide advanced processing and material measurements [low-cost sensor nodes] that will have enormous impacts by improving the food safety for widespread societal benefit. Additionally, the economic benefit will be large - A reduction of the 15% estimated waste4.b by even 10% is this large volume industry will have a potential $15B impact! An opportunity exists to develop sensor nodes that monitor quality and safety of crops and produce, as well as reducing waste in several sectors of the food industry. Our work will start with gas sensors for ethylene, ozone and food odor gases. The most frequently used sensors in produce storage and transport processes include those for O2, CO2, and T, P, RH as well as the ripening phytohormone, ethylene. Ozone is used for ripening control as well as sterilization. In Phase II we will expand to additional safety and QA parameters that include odor indicators of spoilage [e.g., H2S, ammonia, and amines]. Currently, analysis of food related gasses, e.g. those for controlled atmosphere [CA] storage and shipping, is almost invariably performed with large instrumentation and/or cumbersome laboratory protocols. The opportunity exists to revolutionize how the food industry addresses yield, loss and safety in this industry. To illustrate our innovative approach to addressing this need, IE Sensors proposes development of an accurate and sensitive (<10 ppb DL), extremely low-power, real-time sensor to monitor ethylene in plant and produce processing, storage and transportation facilities. We will integrate the ethylene sensor with an ozone sensor of similar design to monitor atmosphere conditions (T,P,RH, O3, ethylene). In Phase II, we will add odor gasses as well as smart algorithms to evaluate freshness and quality of the food product. Our patented manufacturing technology at IE sensors allows for the creation of a complete line of low power EC sensors for the target gasses herein. The printed circuitry uses ASIC components that will be sourced in the USA and enable a SIP [system in package] approach that contains all three critical elements in one package: 1] sensing, 2] computation with AI/ML for accurate measurements and auto-calibration, and 3] telemetry for effective feedback of actionable information. The proposed work leverages recent gas sensor work and AI sensor systems developments and provides an opportunity to achieve the selective detection of critical gases like ethylene as well as design an innovative prototype sensor systems that will target the trillion dollar food industry. This SBIR research is both inventive [will result in patents for new sensor materials and designs] and innovative [providing integrated IoT enabled sensor modules with performance and cost advantages for customers in CA-storage and shipping, and eventually within the food supply chain]. 1