Most of the research work has been devoted to hardware development. We wanted to build a device that could fit into a commercial centrifuge, so as not to force future clients of our invention to purchase a dedicated centrifuge. So we had to overcome many issues of hardware miniaturisation, to be able to fit all the necessary electronics into a small space. We needed to overcome issues with robustness during prolonged use. Under high G forces, electrical contacts in the first prototype of the device easily break off and the components of the device deformed. Now we can spin samples for one hour without problems. We wanted also to make the device modular, so that future hardware such as sensors or actuators could be adapted with ease. To demonstrate this potential, we have included a simple actuator in our device (details of what this actuator does cannot be disclosed to the general public).
Research activity has also been in software development. The camera generates movie files containing millions of instantaneous images of the centrifuged sample. We spent a lot of time developing software algorithms that can translate these images into useful data. For example, we have been able to develop an algorithm that enables one to track the position of the “sedimentation front” over time. Fitting this front to a model of the mechanics of the sample, one can obtain mechanical characteristics of the sample. A version of the software we have developed has an intuitive graphical user interface, with “knobs” and “buttons” that allows a user without much training to modify certain parameters without having to edit the code directly.
We tested the device with industrial samples obtained from research collaborators or directly from industry. Industries interested in our device are industries working in food processing, for example emulsions, materials processing companies, biotech companies, and centrifuge manufacturers.
The commercial interest in purchasing a version of our device is substantial, and we already have potential clients. Thanks to ERC Poc funding, work has been done to develop a business plan for the device and carry out the first step for the application to a patent, in collaboration with a patent attorney of TU Delft. A patent application will be filed soon.
In summary, the main outcomes are a reliable, modular, commercialisable hardware; a preliminary version of the analysis software, with a graphical user interface; testing of the device in the lab with realistic industrial matrices; the generation of a business development plan; and the editing of the patent application document.
