"The main objectives during the first half of the project were related to the definition and development of the analytical layout of picoGC technology for the different industrial applications. Moreover, the first batch of MEMS devices was produced and a new testing system fully MEMS-based was completed to test different configurations. The technological transfer from laboratory to industry facilities was also successfully accomplished. Regarding commercialization and dissemination activities, the first obtained results were presented in national and international events, awaking much interest among potential final customers.
During the second half of the project, a new market application allowed Pollution to review the initial project plan: the development of a picoGC unit to measure the anesthetic gases in the operating rooms. This fact, together with some technical on-going developments to complete the foreseen ""sandwich"" configuration, and considering the efforts to complete all the planned activities to reduce the time-to-market, allowed Pollution to split the realization of the picoGC units in two separate development phases:
- picoGC PHASE A: with the whole analytical core based on MEMS technology and with the possibility to use also traditional columns
- picoGC PHASE B, with all MEMS devices integrated in the ""sandwich"" configuration
The first picoGC instruments include the PHASE A configuration. The exclusive internal layout and design of the PHASE A picoGC units gives the possibility to use not only traditional columns but also MEMS columns in a unique modular configuration. This innovative solution allows the final customer to use both traditional and MEMS columns in a single analytical module.
In the last months of the project, both laboratory and in-field tests have been completed getting impressive analytical results, not only for the anesthetic gases but also for the NG applications. For instance, for anesthetic gases, outstanding repeatability results have been obtained, reaching RSD% lower than 0.2%, being this one of the most important results of the project. In addition, the analysis time is reduced down to 75s, improving the initial expectations. This means that picoGC technology is faster than any other competitor for this application (35%-40%).
Regarding exploitation and dissemination, the aim for the entire duration of the project has been to ensure awareness and relevance on key clients and industrial big market players and to attract external investments. Therefore and important effort has been devoted to this aspect of the project using several communication channels: company and project website, participation to relevant workshops, organization of regular project meetings, participation to national and international fairs, and presentation of the most prominent results in international scientific congresses."
