SBIR-STTR Award

A device for monitoring time temperature history is proposed. The sensing component of the device, unlike other competing sensors, does not require electronic data recovery or have a narrow temperature range of operation. The sensor functions by use of a proprietary chemical reaction to store data optically. The color change can be read visibly by an individual for qualitative results and subsequently read by a standard laboratory spectrophotometer for quantitative results. The proposed device is potentially very low cost and small in size.Applications:A device capable of indicating time-temperature history has applications in monitoring heat-liable food products or verification of thermal processes for food cooking and/or sterilization. A low cost device capable of wide temperature range measurement will be the result of the proposed research program. Improved food quality and safety will result from use of the proposed technology.

A device for monitoring time-temperature exposure history is proposed. The sensing component of the device, unlike other competing sensors, does not require electronic data recovery or a narrow temperature range of operation. It is expected to function between 50 and 130¿C. The sensor relies on a colored chemical reaction that permits it to store the information optically. The color change can be read visibly by an individual for qualitative results and subsequently analyzed in a spectrophotometer for quantitative results. The proposed device is potentially very low cost and small in size.

Anticipated Results:
A device capable of indicating time-temperature history has applications in verifying thermal processes for food cooking and/or sterilization. A low cost optical sensor (based on a colored chemical reaction), capable of wide temperature range measurement is the object of the proposed research. Improved food safety and quality, especially for mass processing, will result from using the proposed technology.