Portable NIR screening for infant-formula composition
A portable NIR-based screening platform for the rapid, non-destructive quantitative analysis of infant formula composition. Using chemometric modeling, the technology accurately predicts energy, macronutrients, and physical parameters like color and conductivity without chemical solvents, providing a sustainable tool for quality control in manufacturing and distribution.
Overview
This technology utilizes portable near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy to perform rapid, non-destructive quality analysis of infant formula. By leveraging molecular vibrations in the 900–1699 nm range, the system provides a sustainable, chemical-free alternative to traditional laboratory methods. It is designed to empower manufacturers and quality control personnel with real-time insights into product composition and consistency, ensuring the highest standards for nutritional safety in products intended for infants.
Technical specifications
The solution integrates portable NIR hardware with advanced chemometric modeling, specifically utilizing Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Partial Least Squares Regression (PLSR). These models correlate spectral data with key quality parameters, including color, total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity, and energy–nutrient profiles (such as macronutrients and essential fatty acids). Performance validation shows robust quantitative accuracy with coefficients of determination (R²) exceeding 0.9 and Range Error Ratios (RER) consistently above 6, demonstrating excellent reliability for identifying both regular and specialized infant formulas.
Technology readiness level
The technology is currently at TRL 7. It has been evaluated through rigorous scientific studies comparing laboratory-grade and portable devices, successfully demonstrating its effectiveness in predicting complex nutritional and physical parameters in actual infant formula products. The workflow is ready for pilot-scale integration in production environments and supply chain screening, pending final site-specific validation across various formula lots and matrices.
About University of Zagreb
The University of Zagreb is a comprehensive public research university in Croatia’s capital, combining broad academic scope with an applied research culture. Industry engages via co‑located national e‑infrastructure and high‑performance computing at SRCE for data‑intensive collaboration. Clinical translation is enabled through integration with the University Hospital Centre Zagreb and other teaching hospitals. Experimental farms and field stations at the Faculty of Agriculture provide settings for real‑world trials and demonstrations. Research is backed by competitive EU and national funding, including Horizon Europe and the Croatian Science Foundation, and a central technology transfer center (CIRTT) advances IP and commercialization.
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