FAIR-CT95-1217 Voltage Gated Sensors for In-Line Monitoring of Fermentation Processes (GATESENSE)

Contacts




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FAIR Area 3 - Generic Science and Advanced Technologies for Nutritious Foods : Liquid Biofuels and Biogas : Separation/Fractionation

	Type of Project	Shared Cost
	Contract No	FAIR-CT95-1217
	Total Cost	1,045,514 ECU
	EC Contribution	650,000 ECU
	Start Date	01/09/96
	Duration	36 Months

Voltage gated sensors for the in-line monitoring of fermentation processes (GATESENSE)

Background

There is a requirement for extensive monitoring and control within biotechnological processes. Such needs include those of manufacturers that require frequent analysis of alcohol and sugar levels in fermenter systems. An ideal measuring system would allow continuous on-line monitoring and use robust biocompatible sensors. This can be achieved using electrochemical detection methods.

Objectives

The objectives of this project are to develop versatile, heat-sterilisable, micro-electronic, multi-array electrochemical sensors for the in-line selective detection and monitoring of alcohols (especially ethanol) and sugars in fermentation media tailored to user requirements enabling subsequent rapid progress to commercialisation.

The eventual practical aim is the optimisation of fermentation processes through closed loop feedback control, thereby conferring economic benefits from conservation of energy, substrates and time as well as improving product quality.

Technical Approach

The proposers will apply the sensors to wine. However, they will also be of value in the production of bioethanol for industrial purposes or for use as liquid transport fuel. Equally, the sensors may also be used to monitor effluents from such processes.

The project includes four main areas of work:

1. development of detection strategies for sugars and alcohol
2. provision of selectivity and resistance to biofouling through structural design and materials selection
3. realisation of robust, sterilisable detectors suitable for scale up manufacture
4. determination of user requirements through user groups

Sensalyse Ltd. will develop strategies for the direct, non-enzymatic electrochemical detection of sugars and alcohol using techniques that can be realised a robust and sterilisable form to meet specifications set by INSAT. NMRC will develop methods for fabrication of the sensor arrays and construct these for evaluation by Sensalyse and INSAT.

A three dimensional dual electrode strategy will employ voltage-gated electrodes to achieve selective amperometric detection and alleviate sensor fouling, supplemented if necessary by polymer membranes for additional selectivity. Surface-coated diamond-like carbon (DLC) deposited by DIAVAC will be employed as a structural and membrane component that has both selective and biofouling-resistant properties. INSAT will evaluate these in pilot plants. NMRC will ensure that the sensor designs produced are validated against the requirements of scale up manufacture. The consortium has an agreed active patenting and licensing policy and commercially significant innovations are to be protected. Within the first year of the project, user groups from within and without the agro-food sector were organised. Recruitment to these groups was such that representatives of the full range of potential users were included. This enabled development to be guided towards devices suitable for commercial exploitation with a minimum of technical and acceptance difficulties.

The Partners form a consortium with the necessary skills and equipment. Sensalyse has skills in sensor design, technology transfer and project management; NMRC is skilled in microelectronics design and fabrication; DIAVAC has experience in the coating technology required for the sensors; and INSAT are familiar with the requirements for fermentation process control as well as technology and methods validation. Project co-ordination and management will be undertaken by Sensalyse, who will also deal with subsequent exploitation on behalf of the consortium.

Results to Date

So far the feasibility of continuous alcohol detection and quantification as well as continuous sugar detection and quantification has been established, as has the selectivity between alcohol and sugar with response independent of pH.

Contacts

Coordinator

• Paul TRELOAR / Sensalyse Ltd UNITED KINGDOM

EC Scientific Officer

• Laurent BOCHEREAU / European Commission Biotechnology, Agriculture and Food Research / BELGIUM

Participant

• Joe FRANKS / Diavac Acm Ltd. UNITED KINGDOM
• INSA Toulouse FRANCE
• University College Cork IRELAND