Multi-Channel Fluorescence Analysis for Food Quality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spectroscopic analysis methods for food samples are costly and time-consuming, requiring high-cost equipment and lengthy data processing due to the need for high spectral resolution and numerous variables, which is not suitable for industrial requirements.
Innovation Solution
A method using a multi-way statistical model for spectroscopic analysis with reduced spectral resolution and fewer excitation wavelengths, allowing for faster and less expensive analysis by pre-processing fluorescence spectra and determining quality indicators through score vectors, even with complex and unknown sample compositions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high spectral resolution and numerous excitation wavelengths are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous spectral range is segmented into a limited number of discrete excitation wavelengths (e.g., 5-10 specific wavelengths). Instead of using a monochromator to scan through all wavelengths, the invention selects only the most informative wavelengths for excitation, thereby simplifying the device while maintaining adequate measurement precision for the application.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies local quality by concentrating measurement resources at specific critical wavelengths where fluorophores exhibit characteristic emission responses. Rather than uniformly sampling the entire spectral range, the method identifies and targets specific wavelength regions that provide the most discriminative information for quality parameter determination.
2Measurement precision
If high spectral resolution and numerous variables are used, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only the essential spectral information needed for quality assessment by measuring fluorescence at a limited number of discrete excitation wavelengths. This extraction of critical data points eliminates the need to process large amounts of spectral data, thereby maintaining measurement precision while significantly reducing analysis time and increasing productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The method applies partial action by measuring fluorescence spectra at only a subset of wavelengths rather than the full spectral range. This partial measurement approach is sufficient for determining quality parameters, avoiding the excessive data collection and processing that would slow down analysis, thus improving productivity without sacrificing essential measurement precision.
3Measurement precision
If numerous excitation wavelengths are used, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs preliminary action by pre-selecting the optimal set of excitation wavelengths based on the spectral characteristics of the fluorophores of interest. This pre-selection is done during method development, and then the same fixed wavelength set is used for all subsequent measurements, eliminating the need for time-consuming spectral scanning and data processing while maintaining prediction accuracy.
4Measurement precision
If conventional spectroscopic methods are used, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces expensive, complex spectroscopic equipment (monochromators, continuous wavelength sources) with simpler, more durable components (fixed wavelength LEDs or lasers). These simpler light sources have no moving parts, require less maintenance, and are more suitable for industrial deployment, thereby improving ease of manufacture and implementation while maintaining adequate measurement precision.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach provides acceptable prediction accuracy with reduced equipment costs and processing time, suitable for industrial applications, achieving prediction errors below 15% despite lower spectral resolution and fewer wavelengths, facilitating the analysis of nutritional and toxicological properties in food samples.
Implementation Method 1
the illumination of said or each sample to be analyzed by a plurality of excitation light radiations with respective wavelengths; b) the acquisition of front-face fluorescence spectra of said or of each sample
Data Source
AI summary
A method for the spectroscopic analysis of a sample is provided. The method including the illumination of the sample to be analyzed by a plurality of luminous excitation rays with respective wavelengths; the acquisition and the pre-treatment of frontal fluorescence spectra, each spectrum corresponding to a respective luminous excitation ray; for each sample, the calculation of a score vector by applying a multi-channel statistical model to the pre-treated spectra; and the determination of at least one parameter selected from a quality indicator of the sample and a parameter characterizing a method that has been applied to the sample, from said score vector. The average spectral distance between the luminous excitation rays is at least 50 nm, over a spectral range of at least 100 nm. The invention also relates to an appliance for implementing such a method.