Luminescence Colorimetric Sensor for Oxygen Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oxygen sensors for food packaging are either non-reversible, require expensive instrumentation, or lack real-time responsiveness, making them unsuitable for commercial applications.
Innovation Solution
A luminescence-based colorimetric sensor formulation comprising a first and second lumophore dispersed in a polymer matrix, which changes color visibly under UV light in response to oxygen concentration, allowing for in-situ, cost-effective, and non-destructive oxygen determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If absorbance-based sensors are used for oxygen determination, then qualitative and semi-quantitative measurement is achieved without expensive instrumentation, but the sensitivity is poor and external instrumentation is required for fully quantitative measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from absorbance-based detection to luminescence-based detection, changing the fundamental measurement parameter. This enables both qualitative visual assessment and quantitative measurement using the same sensor system, eliminating the need for external instrumentation while maintaining high measurement precision through luminescence intensity and lifetime measurements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical absorbance measurement system with a luminescence-based system that uses photonic excitation and emission. This substitution enables the sensor to provide both visual color change information and quantitative data through luminescence properties, eliminating the need for complex external instrumentation
2Ease of operation
If absorbance-based sensors are used, then simple visual color change is observed, but the sensors are non-reversible and unable to provide real-time response
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic luminescence-based sensors that can reversibly respond to oxygen concentration changes in real-time. The luminescence properties (intensity and lifetime) dynamically adjust according to oxygen levels, allowing continuous monitoring and immediate detection of atmospheric changes, unlike static absorbance-based sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The luminescence-based sensor operates through periodic excitation and emission cycles, allowing repeated measurements without degradation. The sensor can be continuously excited by light sources and will repeatedly emit luminescence signals that reflect current oxygen levels, enabling sustained real-time monitoring
3Measurement precision
If luminescence-based sensors recording phase-shifted emission are used, then quantitative detection is achieved, but the sensor response is not visually perceptible requiring spectroscopic instrumentation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the quantitative luminescence detection capability with visual color change output by incorporating multiple lumophores with different emission characteristics. The sensor provides both machine-readable luminescence data for quantitative analysis and human-readable color changes, eliminating the need for complex spectroscopic instrumentation while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes color changes as a direct visual output of the luminescence response. By selecting lumophores with distinct emission colors that respond to oxygen, the sensor translates quantitative luminescence measurements into visually perceptible color changes, allowing both quantitative and qualitative assessment without specialized equipment
4Reliability
If known luminescence-based sensors are used, then non-destructive quantitative detection is achieved, but the methods have significant cost implications making them unsuitable for commercial scale-up
Solution Approach 1:
The patent develops cost-effective luminescence-based sensor formulations that can be manufactured at low cost for commercial applications. The use of accessible lumophores and simple polymer matrices enables production of disposable or single-use sensors that maintain quantitative detection capabilities while being economically viable for large-scale commercial deployment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite sensor materials by dispersing lumophores in polymer matrices, combining the optical properties of the lumophores with the mechanical properties of the polymer. This composite approach enables scalable manufacturing through conventional techniques while maintaining the non-destructive quantitative detection capability needed for commercial applications
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
The sensor provides a reversible, visually perceptible color change, enabling real-time monitoring of oxygen levels without expensive equipment, suitable for high-throughput quality control in food packaging and other controlled atmosphere applications.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor response is typically based on a change in an optical property, such as absorbance or luminescence
Implementation Method 2
Luminescence-based sensors, such as those described in WO2004/077035 A1 and US2014/179019 A1
Implementation Method 3
the first lumophore is selected from platinum octaethylporphyrin (PtOEP), ruthenium (II) 4,7-diphenyl-1,10'-phenanthroline ([Ru(dpp)3]2+), or a combination thereof
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(i)~2(v)
Figure 2(vi)~2(viii)
AI summary
The invention relates to a luminescence-based colorimetric sensor formulation and method of use thereof. The sensor formulation can be used to assess oxygen concentration, particularly in controlled oxygen atmospheres such as food packaging. In embodiments, the invention also relates to sensor-containing laminate films for food packaging, and methods of their preparation.