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VIOLoC
For quality
of wine
and olive oil
Lab-on-chip sensors and cloud
for rapid, portable, and
cost-effective analytics
In the wine and olive-oil sectors, quality control is a critical factor throughout the entire supply chain: from grape ripening to fermentation and the aging of wine, as well as in olive oil production. With advanced solutions that integrate sensor technology, Data Science, and Chemoinformatics, agriculture becomes a science
Context
In an Italian context, where the quality of the final product must be consistently guaranteed, traditional analytical techniques are no longer sufficient. Although extremely accurate, they have some limitations:
- They require equipped laboratories and specialized personnel
- They involve long response times
- They entail high costs for frequent analyses
- They do not allow real-time monitoring directly in the field or during production
In particular, key parameters such as total polyphenols and anthocyanins are essential for determining quality, ripeness, and sensory characteristics, but they are difficult to monitor continuously.
The challenge
The aim of the project was to revolutionize quality control by introducing a solution that is:
- fast and non-destructive
- lightweight and usable directly in the field or in the winery/mill
- economically sustainable
- integrated with digital systems for advanced analysis
The main challenge was to develop a technology capable of maintaining high analytical accuracy while drastically reducing complexity and operating costs. The project led to the development of VIOLoC, a platform based on advanced microsensor technology, integrated into a cloud computing system that enables real-time analysis, even directly in the vineyard or olive grove.
The solution
1. Lab-on-Chip Sensor
A miniaturized device based on surface acoustic waves (SAW) capable of detecting molecular changes in liquid samples.
Main features:
- compact size (chip ~1 cm²)
- real-time analysis
- high sensitivity to phenolic compoundsi
- microfluidic integration for sample handling
An advanced prototype, Liquisens, was also developed, capable of operating effectively in liquid environments thanks to shear-horizontal waves (SH-SAW).
2. Sample study
A key element of the project was the study of a large set of samples for the sensor’s initial calibration. The samples under study included musts, wines, and olive matrices at different stages of ripeness and phenolic content.
The samples were:
- produced through controlled microvinifications
- collected at different stages of the production process
- enriched, when necessary, with specific compounds to expand the analytical range
At the same time, the samples were characterized using reference techniques, including OIV methods, HPLC, and FT-IR spectroscopy, to obtain reliable quantitative values.
3. Model calibration
The data obtained from the chemical analyses were used to build calibration curves and correlate the sensor signal with the actual chemical parameters. This process made it possible to develop and train advanced statistical models for interpreting the measurements acquired by the device.
The quality and variety of the dataset were decisive in ensuring the solution’s accuracy, reliability, and transferability, making it effective even in real operational settings.
4. NanoAnalyzer
A compact, portable electronic analysis device that:
- controls the LoC sensor
- acquires signals
- enables measurements directly in the field
This approach removes the need for a laboratory for many routine analyses.
5. Cloud Platform
Developed by Kode Solutions, the platform enables:
- data acquisition via mobile app (VIOLoC Scanner)
- advanced processing through statistical models
- web app visualization
- centralized management of analyses
The collected data are then analyzed using multivariate models (e.g. PCA, regressions) and compared with reference databases to turn them into quantitative indicators (e.g. polyphenol concentration).
The role of the stakeholders involved
The project involved collaboration between research institutions and companies:
- CNR-NANO: development of the LoC-SAW sensors and electronics
- Kode Solutions: development of the cloud platform and software
- University of Pisa and University of Tuscia:
- sample preparation
- reference chemical analyses (HPLC, FT-IR, OIV methods)
Wine companies were also involved, including Sensi Vigne e Vini, for sample supply and validation under real conditions.
Results and Conclusions
The solution introduces a paradigm shift in sector analytics, with real-time analysis carried out directly in the vineyard, winery, or olive mill, without intermediate steps. During the project, significant results were achieved:
- development of highly polyphenol-sensitive sensors
- validation on real and artificial samples
- correlation between sensor signals and chemical concentrations
- creation of a working portable system
- implementation of a complete cloud platform
Adopting the platform enables companies to:
- improve the quality of the final product
- optimize production processes
- reduce operating costs
- increase sustainability
Looking ahead, solutions of this kind pave the way for precision agriculture and precision enology, based on continuous data and advanced analytics.
The VIOLoC project shows how the integration of advanced sensing, data analytics, and cloud computing can radically transform quality control in the agri-food sector.
