Research that started in an attempt to objectively smell wine, then moved to detecting explosive devices for the defence industry is now set to make life a whole lot easier – and safer – for food manufacturing.
Parts Per Billion technology delivers laboratory-quality analytical results within minutes, says founder and managing director, Stephen Trowell.
Trowell told Food & Drink Business he was approached for ways to measure trace lactose. At the moment, companies have to take samples, send it to the lab and wait seven to 10 days for results. If you want it quicker it costs “an arm and a leg”, says Trowell.
Parts Per Billion does that test in five minutes, in the factory and do it with the same level of accuracy and precision as a lab.
“The reason we can do that is because we’ve taken sensors that have evolved in the natural world, then used their protein to test substances,” he says.
The unit can work continuously. In a large dairy processing company, you might have units on each dock, so when milk comes in it can be tested as it comes off the tanker.
“We have trained three people with quality assurance lab backgrounds to use it. It took about half an hour. Our aim, as we turn it into a commercial product, is that the software will guide people and it can be operated by all staff.”
Trowell says they’re coming to the end of their first factory trials with two Australian dairy companies. We’ve been testing for protease and the companies are happy with how it works. Now we’re moving to trials for trace lactose.
Everyone wants their food fresh, fast and at the lowest possible price so this helps deliver that, he says. The just-in-time business model means manufacturers are under pressure when supply expectations and testing requirements do not align. If you’re developing a product with ingredients from multiple suppliers, that’s a lot to put into trust they’ve done the right thing, Trowell says.
“We had one company tell us that their products were on the supermarket shelf before they knew they were safe or not. It’s not that they’re careless or reckless, they’re taking all the care, following HCCP protocols but are still working blind. That’s a scary proposition.”
Trowell is also working with CSIRO to develop additional tests for the unit. “Undeclared allergens are one of the biggest causes of product recalls. We’re starting with milk allergens and then turning our attention to others like nuts, soy, wheat, eggs, fish and crustaceans.”
The innovation is part of CSIRO's ON Accelerate program. For the last 12 weeks, the company has been learning the skills to pitch and commercialise the idea, a pivotal component to getting it off the ground.
Parts Per Billion is looking for investors. “We have an advanced prototype we can take into the field and test and we’re keen to develop commercially,” Trowell says. "We hope to be selling it on a commercial basis within 18 months."
