Fluorescence is the property of some molecules to emit radiation (typically in the visible spectral range) after being illuminated by a higher energy excitation light. This feature is extensively exploited in many different fields as a powerful tool to investigate properties of samples and to uniquely identify different chemical species with high sensitivity and specificity, in a non-destructive and non-invasive way. In fact, this technique has become an indispensable analytical tool for process and quality control in the food industry: for example, it is widely used for authenticating the geographical origin and detecting possible adulterations or contaminations in edible oils, dairy products, meat, fish, cereals, fruit, vegetables and alcoholic drinks. Moreover, this method can be exploited in other applications such as public health, biology, biotechnology, pharmacology, medical diagnostics, life and food science, physical chemistry, photovoltaics and environment safety.
The “FLUO” project developed and successfully validated two innovative devices to measure fluorescence with unprecedented performances:
- A first tool that measures the so-called fluorescence excitation-emission map (EEM) of the sample, which enables one to study the emitted fluorescence as a function of the wavelength of the excitation light. EEMs constitute a very powerful tool to disentangle the contribution of the different components to the overall fluorescence spectrum of congested mixtures.
- A second tool that measures the time- and frequency- resolved fluorescence of the sample, allowing the characterization of the fluorescence signal as a function of the emission wavelength and the decay time.
Both the techniques are based on a Fourier-Transform approach and employ a patented ultra-stable birefringent interferometer. This approach enabled us to combine low costs and extremely reduced footprint with high performances (in terms of acquisition speed, specificity and sensitivity), overcoming the main limitations of standard commercials products.
Within the “FLUO” project, we performed a careful market analysis and designed a business plan, to choose the best go-to-market strategy. By following a market-driven approach, we have talked to many potential customers as well as consolidated companies in the field of fluorescence, gathering their precious feedbacks and needs. As a result, we have chosen what we believe is the best strategy to exploit the potential of the instruments from a commercial point of view.
