Project description
Heterogeneous Integration and take-up of of Key Enabling Technologies for Components and Systems
In the milk industry, one of most pressing unmet needs is the timely detection of mycotoxins that originate from animal feed and are secreted into milk. In particular, milk and dairy products can be contaminated by aflatoxin M1, a potent carcinogen. The aflatoxin contamination represents a hazard for human health and an economic loss for the dairy industry. The available technology for aflatoxin detection is i) laboratory-based, ii) requires sample preparation, iii) does not provide timely identification of the carcinogen, thus iv) fails to deliver cost-effective management of contaminated milk.
In this context, the SYMPHONY project aims to overcome these limitations by the integration of heterogeneous technologies, encompassing photonics, microfluidics and system integration, in a miniaturised smart system that will perform low cost label free detection of aflatoxin in milk and prevent infection of dairy products. The main goal is to produce an automated sampling and analysis system to be used on-line in Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP). In our strategy the following key enabling technologies will converge:
1) microfluidic technologies and biochemistry, to provide a miniaturised device capable of sample purification and pre-concentration by using the selectivity of aptamers and antibodies;2) photonic resonators integrated in microsystem technologies, for highly sensitive detection;3) compact hardware for the integration in the production chain and communication interfaces compatible with the information system of the industry.
In our vision, the system will represent a breakthrough for the dairy industry, leading toward precision process management. The smart system will be assessed on site and end-users will be involved in the evaluation of technical results, thus creating a close collaboration between SMEs who supply sensors, systems and microsystems, and to improve the exploitation of MNBS in industrial settings.
Fields of science
- natural sciencesbiological sciencesbiochemistry
- natural sciencesphysical sciencesclassical mechanicsfluid mechanicsmicrofluidics
- agricultural sciencesanimal and dairy sciencedairy
- engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectronic engineeringsensors
- agricultural sciencesanimal and dairy sciencedomestic animalsanimal husbandryanimal feed
Call for proposal
FP7-ICT-2013-10
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Funding Scheme
CP - Collaborative project (generic)Coordinator
38122 Trento
Italy