Recipient Organization
GINER, INC.
89 RUMFORD AVENUE
NEWTON,MA 02466
Performing Department
(N/A)
Non Technical Summary
Ethylene (ethene) is a plant hormone that is active at very low concentrations in the developmental and reproductive processes of plants. Ethylene plays a crucial role in the complex processes of ripening and senescence of fruit, vegetable and floral crops, making this unique sensor a valuable tool for U.S. agriculture. The anticipated result of the Phase I and Phase II program would be a low-cost ethylene monitor with high selectivity and sensitivity. A convenient, inexpensive sensor could be used to improve agricultural ripening and storage practices resulting in improved quality and cost of fruits and vegetables. The instrument could be used for basic research on plant physiology, for monitoring ethylene in storage or transportation of fruits, vegetables, and flowers (cut or live), and for measuring ethylene in ripening operations. It could be used in a laboratory, greenhouse, shipping container, wholesale or retail storage facility or even a home refrigerator.
Animal Health Component
100%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
100%
Developmental
(N/A)
Goals / Objectives
Giner, Inc. will develop an economical proton-exchange membrane (PEM) electrochemical sensor to sensitively and selectively detect ethylene in air for potential agricultural applications.
Project Methods
The platform technology will be the Giner, Inc. PEM sensor with solid-state thick-film electrode fabrication techniques. This gives a small, cost-effective, rugged instrument with high sensitivity, low detection limit and rapid response. The feasibility of detecting 10 part per billion (ppb) to 100 parts per million (ppm) of ethylene for a range of temperatures (0-35 degrees Celsius) will be evaluated in the proposed Phase I program. An innovative technology advance proposed is the development of novel techniques for depositing a thin layer of the PEM onto the thick-film sensing electrode in a geometry that further increases signal to noise ratio. The optimal catalytic electrode and operating potential for high sensitivity and minimal interference from other volatile organic compounds will also be determined.