Technologies Facilitating Microbial Contamination Monitoring

This edition of Future Tech TOE discusses about emerging technologies in microbial contamination monitoring. Microbial monitoring technologies address the need for improved safety in food & beverages, pharma & cosmetics, and healthcare applications. Advancements in novel material development, especially in the field of nanotechnology have been essential for further development of advanced technologies such as sensors. As the demand for real-time, more precise, integrated solutions such as smart packaging is increasing, microbial monitoring technologies are gaining more research and development interest. Real-time detection is one of the key features of the novel microbial detection technologies. In order to ensure rapid action and further contamination prevention, novel technologies are integrated with artificial intelligence (AI) solutions to enable quick decisions at the production site. Technology focus areas include not only novel materials such as graphene nanosheets, but also detection techniques such as fluorescence-based methods. For further improvement of consumer safety, advanced biosensors are integrated in smart packaging, which enables prevention of food or cosmetics spoilage not only at the production site, but in the whole value chain.

The Future Tech TechVision Opportunity Engine (TOE) captures emerging innovations in research and development, or profiles existing technologies which have seen a resurgence in terms of new markets and applications. It usually provides a technology overview, drivers, challenges, research and development, analyst insights and key patent information. In some cases, technology convergence scenarios and future growth opportunities are outlined. It covers innovations and technologies in a variety of industry spaces including manufacturing, sensors, electronics, information and communications technologies, networks, lighting technologies, healthcare, medical devices, materials and coatings, and developments in the energy sector that contribute toward a sustainable and greener world.

The Chemicals and Advanced Materials cluster tracks research and innovation trends and developments across specialty chemicals, plastics, polymers, chemicals, bio-chemicals, metals, coatings, thinfilms, surface treatments, composites, alloys, oil and gas, fuel additives, fibers, and several other related technologies and its impact and application across industries.