The IPCOS project aimed to the development of novel sensors for analysis of coffee products. The scientific work was divided in three different work packages.
WP1: Chlorogenic acids and derivatives
A series of p-coumaroylquinic acids derivatives was synthesized, characterized and used for their quantification in coffee, achieving deliverables D1.1 and D1.2 and resulting in two publications in peer-reviewed journals. Substantial work has been conducted towards the development of a sensor based on imprinted polymers for chlorogenic acid, as deliverables D1.3 D1.4 D1.5 and D1.6 have been achieved. Additionally, deliverable D1.7 has been also achieved by the determination of the chlorogenic acids content during the decaffeination process and the development and optimization of the purification of crude caffeine at a pilot plant level
WP2: Cafestol and 16-OMC
The extraction and purification of cafestol and 16-OMC was successfully achieved, which was used in the characterisation of later synthesized MIPs for the two target compound using a covalent approach, achieving deliverables D2.1 D2.2 and D2.3. A colorimetric assay for the determination of Robusta coffee was developed and is currently under consideration for patent by UNITS, corresponding to deliverable D2.4. Additionally, an HPLC method has been developed for the quantification of acrylamide levels in Arabica and robusta coffee (D2.5)
WP3: Caffeine and its metabolites
The synthesis and characterization of MIPs for xanthines, based on previous screening of functional monomers, has given interesting results, resulting in the achievement of deliverables D3.1 D3.2 D3.3 and D3.4. A manuscript currently under review for a peer-reviewed journal. The development and validation of a sensor for xanthines analysis was achieved (D3.5) which resulted in one publication in peer-reviewed journal (Open Access). Additionally, the sensor for xanthines has been validated also in artificial salivary samples (D3.7).
WP4: Training (WP4)
All ESRs have undertaken an extensive program of scientific training since their recruitment, in different areas of chemistry including organic, polymer, analytical and computational chemistry, electrochemistry and sensoring. Moreover, the IPCOS network organized a substantial complementary training programs targeting professional and personal development (appendix, Table 1). All the fellows have also attended a number of courses run by their respective doctoral programs.
WP6: Dissemination and outreach
The ESRs and the members of the teams, both beneficiary and partner organisations, have been actively involved in the dissemination and outreach program. With 8 papers, plus at least three more in preparation, multiple presentations in 10 international conferences, and over 30 outreach events, the IPCOS teams have provided sustained dissemination and outreach.
Of particular interest is the participation and presentation of the IPCOS project during EXPO2015 in Milan (Italy) where the team reached a wide and numerous audience, and also the COFFEE EXPO in 2018 in Trieste, where presentations about the value of collaborations between SME/international companies and academic teams via the Marie Curie Action was particularly welcomed and attracted a lot of interest.
