THOR - Total solution for High throughput surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy
The PoC action was focused on three key customer needs: 1) detection of toxic melamine, which sometimes can be found in milk, and it is detrimental to health. 2) detection of p-coumaric acid (PCA), which can be produced using fermentation processes. Monitoring production of PCA is very important for e.g. cosmetics industry. 3) Detection of toxic polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), which can occur in home environment and can cause cancer.
The aim of the PoC action was to address these needs by building a portable and sensitive device for fast and reliable identification of the aforementioned compounds. The technology is based on the so-called surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), and it enables detection of trace amounts of molecules. Since these applications require sample pre-treatment, scalability, sensitivity, fast detection and ease of use, the detection process needs to be automated. The assembled detection unit (THOR), therefore, consist of two major parts: (i) microfluidics disc (automated sample pre-treatment part), and (ii) Raman scattering detection system (measurement part). For example, 1) a small droplet of milk can be deposited on a microfluidics disc, 2) milk is then centrifuged through controlled spinning of the DVD-ROM motor unit in order to filter out e.g. fats and proteins. Then, filtered milk (mostly water) can be guided to separate reservoirs for SERS-based analysis (melamine detection). A single microfluidics disc can be used to automatically process 10 milk samples in parallel and deliver answers within minutes.
The PoC action produced three patent applications (1 granted, 2 in progress). For example, techniques to drastically improve the device sensitivity and data acquisition speed, a unique laser-line mapping, and a new spectrograph design which were implemented in the assembled THOR system. Results showed that THOR is a unique and highly competitive system for both Raman and SERS-based sensing, and can be used for a wide range of applications. The performance of the THOR sensing system was systematically evaluated for detection of PCB, PCA and melamine. Results showed that the device is highly suitable for detection of PCA and melamine, which was then the focus of our commercialization efforts. The PoC project team was selected for participation in the Danish Tech Challenge (DTC) start-up company competition (among top 20 Danish hardware start-ups). Commercial THOR system is aimed at (i) milk analysis, e.g. melamine detection, and (ii) real-time monitoring of fermentation processes, e.g. PCA. Next steps are (i) finalize and file patent applications, (ii) evaluate the robustness the THOR system together with our industry partners, and (iii) attract investments for building a company.
