Portable mof-based piezoelectric sensing device for hexanal detection in food
Innovative portable sensor using bimetallic Mn/Cu MOFs and MQTF technology for precise hexanal detection in food, offering a cost-effective alternative to mass spectrometry. Features include a Mini GC column and real-time results display, enhancing food quality monitoring.
Overview
The portable MOF-based piezoelectric sensing device represents a cutting-edge solution for detecting hexanal, a key marker of food freshness, in manufacturing and storage settings. Using a combination of bimetallic Mn/Cu Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) and micro quartz tuning fork (MQTF) technology, the device provides highly sensitive and selective detection. It offers an innovative and economical alternative to traditional mass spectrometry, with the capability to perform rapid, on-site testing. Designed for portability, this device aims to ensure food quality by detecting hexanal levels in the range of 10 parts per billion (ppb) to 10 parts per million (ppm).
Technical specifications
- Bimetallic Mn/Cu MOFs: These materials feature ultrahigh surface areas (~6000 m²/g) and tunable structures, allowing for efficient hexanal adsorption and improved sensitivity and selectivity.
- Micro Quartz Tuning Fork (MQTF): Operating at 32.768 kHz, the MQTF detects frequency shifts due to mass loading, providing precise measurement of hexanal concentrations.
- Mini GC Column: Enhances specificity by separating hexanal from complex air samples, ensuring accurate detection.
- Additional Features: Includes a headspace sampling unit, microcontroller for signal processing, onboard display for real-time results, and rechargeable battery for enhanced portability.
Technology readiness level
The device is currently at Technology Readiness Level 4. It has undergone laboratory testing to assess its sensitivity, selectivity, and operational stability. Future plans include further laboratory and field testing to validate its robustness and usability in real food processing environments.
About South Dakota State University
South Dakota State University is a comprehensive public land‑grant research university serving a large statewide community. Industry engages through a university‑linked research and technology park that colocates tenant companies with faculty labs and pilot‑scale processing suites for de‑risking and demonstration. A statewide extension network and field sites provide real‑world environments for validation and market feedback, while shared‑use core facilities and tailored workforce pipelines connect talent and tools to corporate R&D. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from USDA and NSF, with additional awards from NIH and DOE, alongside state and industry partnerships. A dedicated technology transfer office manages IP and industry agreements, and incubator space at the research park supports startup formation and scale‑up.
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