Avoiding cross contamination through rapid surface allergen detectors for the food sector is the objective of this technology-based company
Cross contamination with allergens during food production is one of the main problems in food facilities. There are several ways to transfer traces of an allergen from one product to another, such as sharing utensils for preparing the mixture, common use of the ingredient scale, or inadequate cleaning of the production line or equipment. In this framework, Proyecto Kryptonita arises: a young technology-based company created with the aim of providing a simple and low-cost tool to carry out, both dry and wet and by non-specialized personnel, the validation of the cleaning of surface in food facilities, thus excluding the presence of allergens.
"Our objective is the design and development of molecular sensors and analyzers, as well as their incorporation into devices that can be used by personnel without technical training,” says Maria García-Verdugo, Director of the Food Division. de IMAN Group. “These developments come from interdisciplinary research that contains contributions from fields such as chemistry or advanced materials, but also from other areas of knowledge such as biotechnology or nanotechnology, and advanced manufacturing techniques,” concludes María.
The company is currently working on the development of colorimetric sensor systems that allow for the simple and rapid detection of possible allergens in places where food is handled. “The objective is to provide food companies with simple and reliable tools that allow them to design validated and documented cleaning protocols, so that the necessary actions can be carried out very quickly on the process as a whole,” he highlights. Santiago Luís Lafuente, Director of the Supramolecular and Sustainable Chemistry group at the Universitat Jaume I and Professor of the Department of Inorganic and Organic Chemistry.
Recently linked to the Scientific, Technological and Business Park of the Universitat Jaume I (Espaitec), the company arises from a research project carried out jointly between the Sustainable and Supramolecular Chemistry group of the Universitat Jaume I, led by Santiago Luís Lafuente, and Grupo IMAN, a company that offers solutions to companies in human resources, facility services and outsourcing; and which has a division specialized in the food sector. Its connection to Espaitec responds to the interest in generate new synergies with the University of Castellón I and especially, with the rest of the companies located in the park.
Access the video presentation of the company https://youtu.be/pe8z9SZAEkk
