AOTECH - Advanced Optical Technologies - presents photonics solutions for the food industry. Presentation at the S3FOOD study visit and matchmaking event in Asturias, Spain

1. Photonic solutions for
food industry
I S3FOOD Matchmacking
La Laboral, Gijón, Asturias, Spain
February 19th, 2020
Iker García, AOTECH
S3FOOD has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 824769

2. Company profile
 Origin: Spin-off from the research group Applied Photonics Group (University of the Basque Country)
 Company mission: To apply photonic solutions to all kind of industries
 Initial projects:
 Bladed-rotor monitoring system → Turbines, compressors, fans,…
 Integration of spectroscopy-based sensors in food/pharma processes
 Biosensors to detect heavy metals ions in water

3.  Response of molecular bonds within the sample to NIR radiation (λ=800-2500 nm)
 Light is either absorbed or scattered. Photon energy absorptions representing overtones and
combinations mainly associated with –CH, –OH, –NH, and –SH functional groups
 Information about the chemical composition and physical properties of the sample →
Chemometrics
 Real time, non-destructive, suitability for different kind of products (powder, paste, liquids,
granules,…), simultaneous measurement of multiple parameters
NIRS-based sensors

4. NIRS-based sensors
 Light source: halogen lamp
 Optical probes/cells
 Transmission
 Reflection
 Transflection
 Spectrometer
 PC
Image from Ocean Optics, Inc.

5. Food applications
 Counterfeit and adulterated products
 Evaluation of raw materials and finished product
 Microbiological product assessment → shelf-life predictions
 Complete process quality assurance systems by monitoring key parameters in real time
 Dairy → % fat, protein, lactose, dry matter
 Milk powder production → % fat, protein, moisture
 Oil → free fatty acids, phospholipids, moisture
 Grain and flour → % protein, ashes, moisture, fiber
 Meat and fish → % fat, protein, moisture
 Wine → % alcohol, sugars, acids
 Coffee → % moisture, caffeine, color
 Chocolate → % moisture, sugars, fat

6. +
 Pasteurizers
 Fermenting tanks
 Reactors
 CIP systems
 Mixing systems
 Homogenizers
 Drying process
 Milk concentration
Food applications

7.  Milk standardization → adjust milk composition according
to manufacturer decisions or regulations
 Complete milk characterization during standardization and
optimization of the process → fat to protein ratio
 Ensuring consistent product quality and strengthen their
profitability
 Elimination of uncertainty associated with manual
sampling
Image from Inoxpa S.A.U.
Food applications

8.  Ultrafiltration → increase the protein content
 Protein-enriched milk
 Fermented milk products
 Cheese
 Lactose-free milk
 Minimize the standard deviation in protein concentration →
higher productivity
Image from Technical Tecnología Aplicada S.L.
Food applications

9.  Evaporation (concentration) + homogenization
+ drying process + packing
 Real time MOISTURE determination
 Minimizes risk of product out of spec
 Energy saving
Image from Watson Dairy Consulting
Food applications

10. Food applications
 Biosensors:
 Heavy metal ions detection
 Protein detection
 Micro-refractometers

11. Photonic solutions for
food industry
I S3FOOD Matchmacking
La Laboral, Gijón, Asturias, Spain
February 19th, 2020
Iker García, AOTECH
igarcia@aotech.es
+34 621004487
S3FOOD has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 824769