Fluorescence Spectroscopy for Honey Botanical Origin
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the plant origin of honey are time-consuming, often taking 24 hours or more, and may not accurately measure the full fluorescence fingerprint of honey, leading to incorrect readings or invalid results.
Innovation Solution
A method and device using fluorescence spectroscopy to measure the presence and concentration of key constituents in honey by generating a 2-dimensional excitation-emission matrix, constructing a predictive mathematical model, and assigning botanical origin based on fluorescence signatures, allowing for faster and more accurate determination of honey origin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional methods are used to determine plant origin of honey, then measurement accuracy may be maintained, but analysis time increases to 24 hours or more
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/chemical separation methods (like HPLC) with fluorescence spectroscopy, an optical detection method. This substitution enables rapid measurement of honey's fluorescence signature, reducing analysis time from 24+ hours to minutes while maintaining plant origin determination accuracy through spectral fingerprinting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes fluorescence emission at different wavelengths (color spectrum) to identify plant origin. By measuring the fluorescence signature across multiple emission wavelengths (e.g., 380nm, 420nm, 460nm, 500nm, 540nm, 580nm, 620nm), the system creates a spectral fingerprint that accurately determines honey's botanical source without time-consuming separation processes.
2Productivity
If only two fluorescence parameters are measured, then measurement speed increases, but measurement precision decreases leading to incorrect readings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fluorescence measurement into multiple discrete emission wavelength parameters (at least 3, preferably 7 or more wavelengths across the spectrum). This segmentation captures the complete fluorescence fingerprint of honey, enabling accurate plant origin determination while maintaining measurement speed through automated spectral scanning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from measuring only two fluorescence parameters to measuring across multiple emission wavelengths, adding spectral dimensionality to the measurement. This multi-dimensional approach (excitation wavelength × emission wavelength × intensity) creates a comprehensive fluorescence signature that accurately identifies plant origin without sacrificing measurement efficiency.
3Measurement precision
If full fluorescence spectrum is measured, then botanical origin accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal fluorescence spectroscopy system that can analyze multiple honey parameters (plant origin, quality, contamination) using the same instrument and methodology. This multi-functional approach reduces overall device complexity compared to requiring separate specialized equipment for each analysis type, while still capturing the complete fluorescence spectrum for accurate botanical determination.
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
Enables rapid and qualitative determination of honey origin, improving processing efficiency and quality control by providing accurate botanical origin and chemical constituent analysis within a shorter timeframe.
Implementation Method 1
honey will fluoresce. This is understood to be due to the presence of aromatic compounds in the honey (mainly phenolic compounds) that may be excited by light and that then emit light in response to the excitation
Data Source
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AI summary
Method for determining the botanical origin of honey: (a) estimating the botanical origin of standard honey samples, by: (i) obtaining key chemical concentrations; (ii) assigning the botanical origin as a value on the abundance of chemical compounds characteristic of botanical groups; (b) generating the fluorescence signature of standard honey samples, by: (i) measuring the intensity and wavelength of the fluorescent light emitted from a diluted light-excited honey solution; (ii) combining excitation and emitted light as 2-dimensional excitation-emission matrix (EEM); (c) constructing a predictive mathematical model from standard honey data; (d) generate the fluorescence EEM signature of an unknown honey sample or samples, as outlined in step (b); and (e) using the unknown honey fluorescence EEM data from step (d) with the mathematical model of step (c) to predict and assign value of botanical origin of honey.