Rapid Chemometric Quality Control for Plant-Based Postbiotic Production
A quality control platform using hyperspectral infrared imaging and machine learning to ensure batch-to-batch consistency of postbiotics produced via solid-state fermentation of plant substrates like rice bran, with applications in functional food and health products.
Overview
This solution addresses a critical challenge in the postbiotics industry: maintaining batch-to-batch consistency in postbiotics produced through solid-state fermentation of plant-based substrates such as rice bran. Postbiotics are bioactive compounds derived from beneficial microorganisms, offering health and immunity benefits without requiring live bacteria. The platform combines lactic acid bacteria fermentation expertise with advanced chemometric and spectroscopic quality control methods to deliver standardized, high-quality postbiotic products for food, nutraceutical, and health applications.
The offering is particularly relevant for companies developing functional foods, dietary supplements, and immune-support products who need reliable, reproducible bioactive ingredients. By ensuring consistency at the production level, manufacturers can confidently scale their postbiotic-based products while maintaining efficacy claims and regulatory compliance.
Technical specifications
Fermentation capabilities:
- Solid-state fermentation of plant-based substrates, primarily rice bran, using lactic acid bacteria alone or in combination with yeast
- Screened bacterial isolates demonstrating acid and bile tolerance, antibiotic resistance, and antimicrobial properties
- High auto-aggregation capacity (88.40% after 24 hours of incubation), indicating robust probiotic-derived activity
Quality control platform:
- Hyperspectral infrared imaging coupled with machine-learning data analyses for rapid, sensitive detection of organic molecules and biopolymers
- Capability to detect flavonoids, proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids in fermentation samples
- Performance validated against synchrotron-based high-resolution infrared microscopy at the Australian Synchrotron
Validation pipeline:
- Multi-technique analysis including NMR, XRD, and FTIR hyperspectral imaging
- Complementary LC-MS and GC-MS for compound identification and quantification
- Comprehensive bioactivity assays covering anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antibiofilm, preservation efficacy, immunomodulatory, and anti-cancer properties
Technology readiness level
The technology is at an advanced development stage. Lactic acid bacteria strains have been screened and characterized for fermentation performance and functional properties. The hyperspectral imaging chemometric methods have been validated against synchrotron-based infrared microscopy, demonstrating analytical reliability. Current activities focus on applying these quality control methods to commercial postbiotic samples and conducting comprehensive biochemical, microbiological, and cell-based validation assays to confirm health benefits and support product development claims.
About Swinburne University of Technology
Swinburne University of Technology is a public research university with a technology focus and a multi‑campus footprint across metropolitan Melbourne. Industry partners access co‑located laboratories, pilot‑scale testbeds, and an innovation precinct that supports rapid prototyping, validation, and scale‑up. Work‑integrated learning and co‑op style placements, industry‑embedded PhDs, and executive education provide pipelines for talent and problem‑led collaboration, complemented by shared‑use equipment and contract R&D. Research is supported by competitive Australian federal and state funding, including the Australian Research Council and National Health and Medical Research Council. A dedicated commercialization office manages IP strategy, licensing, and spin‑outs, with streamlined agreements that enable faster engagement.
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