Simultaneous sensor for mercaptans and 4-ethylphenol.

New and innovative aspects

Simultaneous Detection: One of the most innovative aspects is the ability to simultaneously detect mercaptans and 4-ethylphenol in wines. This functionality is essential for a comprehensive evaluation of wine quality, as both compounds can impact its organoleptic characteristics.

Non-Contact Method: The technology enables detection in the gas phase, avoiding direct contact of the sensor with the liquid sample. This feature is crucial for maintaining product integrity, particularly important in the wine industry.

Preventive Diagnostics: The capability for routine and on-site analysis facilitates early detection of issues, allowing for corrective measures to be taken preventively and at minimal cost.

Main advantages of its use6

Increased Analysis Efficiency and Sensitivity: The ability to simultaneously detect mercaptans and 4-ethylphenol in wines in the gas phase significantly improves analysis efficiency. Evaluating both critical compounds at the same time saves time and resources compared to traditional methods.

Preserved Product Quality: Non-contact detection with the liquid sample is a key advantage, ensuring that the wine is not affected or contaminated during the analysis process. This is essential for preserving the quality and integrity of the final product.

Early Diagnosis of Defects: The capability for routine and on-site analysis allows for early detection of defects in wines. This is crucial for taking corrective measures preventively and avoiding issues that may impact product quality.

Cost-Efficient: The ability to conduct preventive diagnostics with minimal cost is a significant advantage. It enables wineries and food companies to control the quality of their products without incurring excessive expenses.

Ease of Use: The capability for on-site analysis and the user-friendly nature of the technology make it accessible for a wide range of users, from small wineries to large food companies.

Specifications

This technology is based on an electrochemical sensor designed for the simultaneous detection of mercaptans and 4-ethylphenol in wines. The sensor utilizes dual-screen-printed carbon devices where the working electrodes are modified with cobalt phthalocyanine (CoPh) and fullerene (C60). The electrode modification enhances the conductivity, sensitivity, and selectivity of the sensor.

The detection method is conducted in the gas phase, avoiding direct contact of the sensor with the wine sample. This is crucial for maintaining product quality. The four electrodes (two working, the auxiliary, and the reference) are coated with a gelified polymer film composed of a mixture of polyvinylidene fluoride, 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, and 1-methyl-3-octylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate, which acts as a supporting electrolyte.

An additional advantage of this technology is its ability to efficiently and cost-effectively conduct preventive diagnostics of critical compounds without direct contact with the sample. This enables early detection of defects in wine and the implementation of corrective measures before they significantly impact product quality, providing an innovative and effective solution for the wine and food industry.

Applications

• In the wine industry, it ensures the quality and consistency of the final product through the detection of unwanted compounds.
• It enables compliance with specific standards and regulations by allowing for comprehensive quality control.

Intellectual property status

Protected by Patent P202330838

Current development status

Device already developed and validated for industrialization.

Desired business relationship

Commercial Agreement, License Agreement, Technical Cooperation: further development; Technical Cooperation: testing new applications; Technical Cooperation: adaptation to specific needs