Innovation in action: rapid analysis of bacteria in food and crop health
Real-time analysis of plant health or harmful bacteria during food production is becoming a reality. Thanks to funding from the Province of Limburg and Europe, researchers at the Sensor Engineering research institute of the Faculty of Science and Engineering are getting their teeth into improving crop cultivation and food production. Both projects focus on precision, sustainability, and real-time monitoring. Here’s a glimpse into the latest advancements in these research initiatives.
BactScan: Rapid Detection of Bacteria in Food Production
BactScan will research an advanced sensor system for the rapid detection of harmful bacteria in food production processes. Traditional methods for detecting bacteria such as Salmonella or Listeria are time-consuming, often requiring days of laboratory analysis. BactScan could change this with an optical sensor system that delivers results within minutes.
The innovation lies in the combination of advanced optical technology and machine learning. The system analyses samples in real time, identifying bacteria based on unique light absorption patterns. This not only significantly improves food safety but also reduces food waste by enabling contaminated batches to be removed from the production line more quickly.
For the agricultural and food industries, this means more efficient quality control and lower costs. Additionally, it contributes to a more sustainable food chain, a priority for both industry and consumers.
LEAF: Live Monitoring of Plant Leaves
The LEAF project focuses on precision agriculture, introducing a portable electrochemical sensor platform that is applied directly to plant leaves. This system continuously and in real time measures critical (bio)chemical properties, such as stress hormones, nutrients, and metabolic markers. While traditional methods often measure indirectly or with delay, LEAF provides immediate insight into the plant’s physiology.
At the heart of this innovation is a polymer-based receptor system with high selectivity. This enables researchers, and ultimately farmers, to detect subtle changes in plant health, stress, or nutritional status before visible symptoms appear. As a result, resources such as water, fertilisers, and pesticides can be deployed more precisely, leading to more efficient management and sustainable production.
The research project is being carried out by a diverse consortium of research institutions and commercial partners working together to make the technology robust, scalable, and user-friendly. The ultimate goal is a market-ready solution suitable for a wide range of crops.
Supported by the Province of Limburg and Europe
Both projects are made possible thanks to funding from, among others, the Province of Limburg and the Interreg Deutschland-Nederland programme of the European Union. In addition, several Dutch and German (local) governments, businesses, and educational and knowledge institutions are contributing to the projects. In part, the research wil be done in Maastricht as well as Brightlands Campus Greenport Venlo
Also read
-
Professor Thomas Cleij reappointed as Dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering
The Executive Board of Maastricht University has reappointed Prof. Dr. Thomas Cleij as Dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering. Thomas will continue to lead the faculty until March 2031.
-
Aurélie Carlier uses mathematics to improve healthcare for women
Women experience side effects from medication twice as often as men. Yet doctors still prescribe the same dosage. This is because men and women process medication differently. Aurélie Carlier uses computer models to investigate these differences.
-
National inspiration guide on societal engagement training programmes features FSE’s SciCom Incubator programme
A new inspiration guide shows how training helps researchers incorporate societal engagement in their careers, building on examples implemented at five different universities.
