Summary
- Profile Type
- Technology offer
- POD Reference
- TOES20230410005
- Term of Validity
- 10 April 2023 - 9 April 2025
- Company's Country
- Spain
- Type of partnership
- Commercial agreement with technical assistance
- Research and development cooperation agreement
- Targeted Countries
- All countries
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General information
- Short Summary
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A Spanish research group has developed a method capable of detecting sulphur compounds (mercaptans) in wines. This new methodology allows analysis to be carried out quickly and with high sensitivity. The proposed electrochemical method is characterized by its low cost and portability.
They are looking for commercial and research cooperation agreements with companies and institutions related with the wine/food sector interested in implementing this technology in their facilities. - Full Description
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The presence of sulphur compounds in wine causes the appearance of unpleasant odors, such as the smell of rotten eggs. The formation of these compounds represents one of the main reasons for complaints. Although methods for the determination of these compounds have been developed in recent years, the method developed at this Spanish research group is presented as a reference since it allows mercaptans to be quantified selectively without being in direct contact with the sample.
Electrochemical measurements are performed using a potentiostat to which the CoPh (cobalt phthalocyanin) modified screen-printed device is connected, which has previously been immersed in a supporting electrolyte solution in such a way that it is pre-charged by adsorption. Amperometric measurements are subsequently made in the headspace of a sealed cell. Once a constant current is registered, a determined volume of the EtSH (ethanethiol) or wine solution is added to the cell, as appropriate, registering the corresponding increase in the registered current due to the oxidation process that takes place on the surface of the electrode. The current measured at the surface of the working electrode depends on the EtSH concentration in the cell.
The applicability of the developed method has been validated through truthfulness experiments, in which wines were analysed both in their original state and after the addition of a known amount of the analyte.
The university is interested in contact with partners of agrifood sector, specifically related with wine.
Commercial agreement are sought and partners for research cooperation agreements are welcome as well. - Advantages and Innovations
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The main advantages offered by this method are the following:
- Allows analysis to be carried out in the gas phase, reducing the number of interfering species and increasing selectivity.
- The sensor is not in direct contact with the wine, so it does not alter the product.
- No pre-treatment of the sample is required.
- The method is also characterized by its high sensitivity, its low cost and, due to its compact size, its portability.
For all these reasons, this methodology is positioned as one of the most suitable for the determination of mercaptans. - Stage of Development
- Available for demonstration
- Sustainable Development Goals
- Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- IPR status
- IPR applied but not yet granted
Partner Sought
- Expected Role of a Partner
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The partner sought, both for license and manufacturing agreement (commercial agreement), will be wine related companies that are willing to implement a quick and affordable method to detect sulphur compounds in wine samples.
Their role will be, for instance, to use this technology to improve their analysis and/or to give companies a powerful tool to carry out the analysis in their facilities.
In addition, the Spanish institution is looking for a research groups and research institutions to collaborate to transfer and bring the technology to the next level applying for European funds. - Type and Size of Partner
- Big company
- SME 50 - 249
- SME <=10
- Other
- SME 11-49
- Type of partnership
- Commercial agreement with technical assistance
- Research and development cooperation agreement
Dissemination
- Technology keywords
- 05001001 - Analytical Chemistry
- 08002001 - Detection and Analysis methods
- Market keywords
- 08001020 - Electronic chemicals
- 09005 - Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, Animal Husbandry & Related Products
- 07003001 - Wine and liquors
- Sector Groups Involved
- Agri-Food
- Targeted countries
- All countries