Progress 09/01/23 to 08/31/24
Outputs
Target Audience: annual Performance Report FOR YEAR-3 PI: Samuel P. Hernández-Rivera, Ph.D. Simulation contamination with Glyphosate A papaya leaf was taken and washed with deionized water to remove impurities. Subsequently, it was placed in an amber jar with the appropriate solvent for the extraction of Chlorophyll, the characteristic pigment of the leaves. Several solvents were tested, such as isopropanol, acetone, and methanol, yielding better results in ethanol and methanol, proven by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis) characterization. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) PCA emerges as an invaluable tool in exploring and understanding the underlying structure of complex, multidimensional datasets. Orange software was used to perform these analyses due to its efficiency and flexibility. PCA allows for exploring, preprocessing, and modeling data effectively. Partial Least Squares (PLS) The previously collected dataset was used to develop the PLS model and subsequently evaluate its effectiveness in predicting the concentration of a sample with unknown concentration. The remarkable coincidence between these concentrations indicates that the PLS model can provide accurate results in predicting the concentration of samples whose initial composition is unknown. A thorough evaluation of the model was carried out to determine its suitability. For this purpose, data from a spectrum of unknown concentrations were integrated into the corresponding software, resulting in a detailed prediction analysis. Limit of Detection (LOD) In determining the LOD, a univariate approach was adopted. This method was based on the selection of a specific band and the consequent integration under the resulting curve. The LOD obtained was 189 ppm. This LOD is equivalent to 0.36 mg/cm2. Co-PI: Enrique Meléndez-Martínez, Ph.D. Gold nanoparticles (AuNP) have gained fame in the fight against cancer for their photothermal properties and plasmonic properties. AuNPs are biocompatible and have a strong affinity for biomolecules containing amines, disulfide bonds, and thiol groups. Compounds containing these moieties can be easily loaded onto the surface of AuNPs. Functionalization by binding polyethylene glycol molecules linked to hydroxyl groups can improve the specificity with which an NP detects or affects a cancer cell. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) molecules linked to hydroxyl groups can not only bind to gold nanoparticles, but its other end, not bound to the nanoparticle, can bind to different proteins, such as an antibody. This way, NP can affect cancer cells in a specific way without affecting healthy cells in the human body. That is why this research aims to auscultate all the parameters that can optimize the conditions for the functionalization of nanoparticles. Co-PI: Marco A. De Jesús-Ruíz, Ph.D. The problem that this project wishes to address is the cross-contamination of land plots and non-target plants with glyphosate herbicides. This is especially important, considering these products are what we consume daily, and the environment continues to be saturated with various compounds. While studies have been made on the detection of Glyphosate utilizing SERS, non-determined sample studies have not been found and detected in plants. Organic-aqueous phase division or fluorescence interferents and SERS Raman are the speculated methods to detect the presence of herbicides in plants, in this case, Glyphosate. While the HCl (1%), Acetone (25%), and Acetic Acid (10%) additions proved to be unsuccessful due to the fluorescence of the solution, the proposed method has not been accomplished. Therefore, there are no results to discuss in the context of this report since it is planned to test this method in the near future. Now the chlorophyll extraction using isopropyl alcohol from the Carica Papaya leaves proved to be successful. Around a gram of the leaves were liquefied in a blender using isopropyl alcohol. After filtering, a clear dark green solution was obtained. Related to the alternative method, this isopropyl (70%) + Chlorophyll was used, and additions of different solutions were done to test their effectivity in diminishing or, better yet, eliminating fluorescence. Co-PI: Eduardo I. Ortíz-Rivera, Ph.D. Previously, the team worked on a Papaya Fruit Recognition System (PFRS) specifically focused on the Carica Papaya fruit and the diseases Ring Spot, Anthracnose, Black Spot, and Phytophthora Root Rot. The way these diseases manifest in the fruit was analyzed, and images were captured as examples of a fruit in a diseased state. The causes, symptoms, and management options of each disease were also presented. A machine learning system was developed on the TensorFlow platform using an existing image classifier and retraining for the features that were desired. The classifications were healthy and unhealthy as the system was a binary classifier. At the time, the system predicted the classifications with an effectiveness greater than 50%, which is considered successful in a model testing stage. This model operated on the principles of transfer learning. Co-PI, Francisco Bezares-Salinas, Ph.D. The Nanophotonics Team from the UPRM Physics Department, which is part of the research component of the USDA-NIFA program, has made significant progress since the previous reporting period, and short-term goals have been accomplished as scheduled. Previous team members German Vázquez (physics GS) and Fabiola Marquez (chemistry UGS) completed the requirements for their respective degree programs. In the case of Vázquez, he was able to successfully defend and publish his M. S. degree thesis titled "Improving Surface-enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) ?by the implementation of pillararenes on AgNP." Since then, the research team has been working on running computational simulations that will provide insights into the physical and chemical properties observed in the experiments and began drafting a manuscript describing the results. UPR-Aguadilla Campus Dr. Héctor I. Areizaga-Martinez, PI Dr. Eddie M. Román-Morales, Co-PI During the first semester of 2023-24, the NIFA students who participated in the summer internship at the UPRM concluded their participation in the program by training the group of students who will take their places under the program's sponsorship. In the second semester of the academic year 2023-24, we worked with the selection of the four students who would participate in the summer internship at the Mayaguez campus of the University of Puerto Rico. On this occasion, two students from the biology baccalaureate program and two students from the chemistry baccalaureate transfer program at the Mayaguez campus were selected. This allowed the selection of students to be more diverse, achieving an impact on students from different academic programs. The selection of these students considered the student's potential as a researcher. SUMMER INTERSHIP AT MAYAGUEZ CAMPUS The growing importance of research is transforming the higher education process as an essential component of academic and professional training. For this reason, with the project that is being carried out, the opportunity was offered to 4 undergraduate students from the University of Puerto Rico, Aguadilla Campus, to carry out a summer internship in the different laboratories of PI and CoPI researchers among the students are Natalia Pellot Pérez, Ilianys Valentin Gonzalez, Jadiel Gonzalez Justiniano, and Christopher Acevedo Chaparro. The internship took place at the facilities of the Mayagüez campus, beginning on May 28, 2024, and ending on July 19, 2024. Below are some photographs of the first day. During the first two days, the UPR Aguadilla students rotated through the different laboratories and selected the investigations with which they had the greatest affinity. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Workshops and Certifications: The project will offer workshops and certifications focused on spectroscopic drone technology and its applications in agriculture. Research Experience: Students will gain hands-on experience in chemical and biological characterization, data management, and analysis of tropical crops. Fieldwork and Lab Experiments: Students will engage in both fieldwork and lab-controlled experiments to apply their learning in real-world scenarios. Outreach Activities: Students will participate in outreach activities to recruit high school students into agriculture and related science careers and provide training to local farmers on crop monitoring using remote spectroscopic technology. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Outreach Activities: Students will conduct outreach activities to recruit high school students and educate local farmers. Workshops and Demonstrations: The project will organize workshops and demonstrations to share knowledge and techniques with students and local farmers. Collaborative Efforts: The project will involve collaborative efforts between professors and students from different departments, enhancing interdisciplinary knowledge sharing. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Interdisciplinary Collaboration: The project will continue to strengthen the interdisciplinary STEM team involving students from UPRM and UPRAg. Educational Activities: The project will increase the number of workshops, certifications, and demonstrations to educate students and local farmers further. Student Engagement: The project will focus on stimulating student engagement in experiential learning activities and providing more research opportunities. Doctoral Program Development: The project will lay the foundations for launching an interdisciplinary doctoral program in Food Science and Technology (FST) with an emphasis on crop monitoring using advanced technologies.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
The goals accomplished are as follows: Submitted an instrumentation proposal to USDA. Although not considered for funding due to sending an incomplete package, we learned significantly from the process and are now ready to submit a more competitive major equipment proposal. With the support of our USDA-NIFA-HSI grant, five undergraduate students obtained their BS degrees, six MSc students received their degrees, and six doctoral students finished and obtained their degrees. Obtained data for several manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication. Worked on the design of three courses in Food Science and Technology. Trained thirty-five undergraduate students and twenty-six graduate students. Not all of them received stipends from the USDA-NIFA-HSI grant but received financial compensation from other grants of the PI and the Co-PIs. Both graduate and undergraduate students participated in the outreach activities sponsored by the USDA-NIFA-HSI grant. Graduate and undergraduate students participated in the dissemination activities (posters, seminars, and presentations) sponsored by the USDA-NIFA-HSI grant.
Publications
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Progress 09/01/22 to 08/31/23
Outputs
Target Audience:This Project is directed toward the needs of students, both graduate (GS) and undergraduate (UGS), and professionals in Food Science and Technology (FST). These stakeholders include professors, instructors, technicians, graduate students (GS) and undergraduate students(UGS) of FST. The goal of the project is to impact 4-H Club members, professors, instructors, and technicians from the University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez Campus (UPRM) and the University of Puerto Rico-Aguadilla Campus (UPRAg) as well as other Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI), Historically Black Colleges or Universities (HBCU), Tribal Colleges (TC), and all other 2-year, 4-year, professional schools, Land Grant Colleges, R1 Institutions with programs in FST and other agricultural programs, degrees, or certifications. The Principal Investigator (PI), Co-Principal Investigators (Co-PIs), GS, and UGS involved in the Project are dedicating all their time and effort(T&E) to the Research, Education, Training, and Dissemination (RETD) of the Project to make our world a more resilient and habitable so that we can look at a much brighter future, with less contamination and decrease in Global Warming effects. Changes/Problems: Samuel P. Hernández-Rivera, Ph.D. PI/PD & José A. Centeno-Ortiz, Ph.D. Co-PI/PM CCS/CISACTamara Félix-Massa and Tatiana Vega-Reyes - GS have been working on developing sensors. The focus isthat SERScan detect trace amounts of target chemicals on tropical fruit crops. To support this assertion, the SERS spectrum of each target will be acquired, and the detection limit (DL) for each analyte will be determined. The SERS spectra usingnanostructures were first tested withBPE. DL was 1.0 x10-13 g/µL or 1.0x10-15 g/mm2 of BPE. Gold or silver nanoparticles were deposited onto 2x2 in SSsubstrates in 10x10 mm spaces. Optimum SERS spectra were obtained after 20 depositions.The herbicide glyphosate, an organic compound with a characteristic SERS spectrum, will be studied next. Co-PI: Enrique Meléndez-Martínez, Ph.D. Development of Biosensors for Pesticides and Plant Pathogens- Karelis Maldonado- GS During the past semester, Karelis has been developing nanostructured gold electrodes. The first attempt to nanostructure the surface was performed using a quartz crystal disk metalized with gold Ti/Au, 5 MHz) by cyclic voltammetryand chronoamperometry. Although it was achieved, reproducibility was a major concern, and we moved to a standard gold electrode available commercially. The second experimental setting was performed with the standard gold electrode. Co-PI: Francisco J. Bezares-Salinas, Ph.D. The Nanophononics Team, which is part of the research component of NIFA-UPRM. Upon the start of the Fall 2021-2022 Semester, several interviews were conducted to select a GS for this section of the proposed research. Germán Vázquez underwent training in the respective areas of research activities. He implied tasks, which included Lab Safety Training and AgNPgrowth by Physical Vapor Deposition. Co-PI: María L. Plaza, Ph.D. and Elvin Román-Paoli During the summer internship at UPRMon June 12, I had the opportunity to receive a group of students from UPRAg. During the initial meeting, the students learned about water activity and degree brix measurement in honey. They characterized honey samples from the Corozal Experimental Station. The students analyzed the honey. During these 2 weeks, they determine color, pH, total acidity, free lactone, diastase activity, and hydroxymethylfurfural content. Co-PI: Félix R. Román-Velázquez, Ph.D. During this period, I have been working to prepare a workshop and presentation on the use of drones in agriculture. I have contacted several public schools, such as Juan F. Rivera Santiago, director of the Elementary School Aurora Mendez Charneco, Willam Fuentes Torres, Director of the Manuel Mendez Liciaga High School, and Jorge Pellot Siberio, director of the Elementary School Juan de Dios Quinones, to explore the possibility of providing a workshop/presentation of the uses of drones in agriculture. Co-PI: Marco A. De Jesús-Ruíz, Ph.D. Experiment 1.Characterization and Microbial Detection in High-Performance SubstratesNanolithography-prepared SERS substrateswere used as high-performance sensors to conduct detection and characterization studies of microorganisms using a Raman microscope. These sensors are silicon chips containing fixed patterns. These patterns are Ovary, Asian lilies, Acacia, and Sunflower. Experiment 2. Papaya Leaves Analysis: Three different leaves from a papaya tree were used in the study: Healthy, in the drying process (Yellow), and Black Spot disease containing. Co-PI: Eduardo I. Ortíz-Rivera, Ph.D.: Papaya Fruit Recognition System Objective:To generate a Machine Learning (ML) System where the device can properly identify if the papaya fruit is healthy or has a disease and what type of disease it possibly has. Subaward - University of Puerto Rico at Aguadilla PI: Héctor I. Areizaga-Martinez, Ph.D. CoPI: Elddie M. Román- Morales, Ph.D. Activity #1: Sampling and UV-Vis Spectroscopy Technique Objectives:Introduce the studentsto the different sampling methods, to the basic aspects of UV-VIS spectroscopy, and usethe UV-Vis spectrophotometer to perform a quantitative analysis. Overview: UGS performed a random sampling using a scale model of dextrose and caffeine. At the same time, the UGS prepared a calibration curve to determine the amount of caffeine in their samples. Theyevaluated the data obtained from the UV-Vis spectrophotometer, learned some basic statistical concepts, and prepared calibration curves. Activity #2: Research Proposal Objectives: Students will perform a bibliographical review and prepare a research proposal based on an agricultural crop problem. Overview:The students developed a research proposal supported by a literature review addressing a series of problems related to the crops of certain agricultural products. From this evaluation, four possible research projects evolve: Activity #3: PR-LSAMP Oral presentation: The Puerto Rico Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (PR-LSAMP)The UPRAG students sponsored by the NIFA award presented their proposals during the PR-LSAMP junior technical meeting at Bayamón PR. Activity #4: Poster presentation:The 22nd Scientific Symposium was held at UPRAg on May 2, 2023. Upcoming Activities: Describe activities you plan to complete during the next reporting period. SUMMER INTERSHIP AT MAYAGUEZ CAMPUS The growing importance of research is transforming the higher education process as an essential component of academic and professional training. For this reason, with the Project that is being carried out, the opportunity was offered to 4 undergraduate students from UPRAgto carry out a summer internship in the different laboratories of PI and CoPIs.The internship took place at the facilities of the Mayagüez campus, beginning on June 12, 2023, and ending on August 4, 2023. Below are some photographs of the first day. NIFA-HIS-UPRM - Outreach Activities: Visits to Southwest PR High Schools On Tuesday, June 27, 2023, part of our team visited Escuela Superior Urbana, a high school located in the municipality of Maricao, under the guidance of Naihomy M. Tirado Robles (Health Teacher) and Anatalia Adames (Science Teacher). This team was composed of Tatiana P. Serrano Zayas (UGS), Maria A. Villareal Blanco (GS), Paola N. Malave Chacon (GS), and Giancarlo L. Vargas Alers (GS). This visit aimed to engage and inspire students and teachers in chemistry and promote scientific inquiry. A total of two experiments were carried out in approximately one hour and a half; 19 people among students and teachers participated in this activity. Challenges and Developments # Challenge or Development Corrective Action or Project Change 1 No major Challenges were met during year 1 N/A Outcome and Indicator Results to Date # Outcome/Indicator Quantifiable Results 1 Recruitment of GS and UGS from UPRM 12 GS and 12 UGS UPRM participated 2 Recruitment of UGS from UPRAg 4 UGS from UPRAg participated during the Summer-23 3 Started the Visits to Schools Program Over 19 persons benefited from this activity Upcoming Activities Describe activities you plan to complete during the next reporting period. # Activity Anticipated Completion 1 Continue Research and Development activities with GS and UGS Aug. 2026 2 Continue Visits to High Schools Aug. 2026 3 Continue Webinars and Training for All Project Participants Aug. 2026 Project Expenditures to Date Expenditures Cost Category Amount Approved in Budget Year-1 Actual Federal Expenditures (Federal Funds ONLY) Year-1$178,572 Personnel $18,558 (PIs) + $90,000 (GS) $18,558 (PIs) + $42,500 (GS) Fringe Benefits $1,939 $1,939 Travel NO NO Equipment Supplies $1,400 $1,400 Contractual NO NO Other: Participant Support (PS) $20,300 $3,000 Direct Costs Subtotal Indirect Costs $47,775 $21,250 Total Federal Costs $178,572 $88,702 Expenditures to Budget Ratio 49.673 %?? What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Accomplishments Total Percentage (%) of Work Completed on the Project: 50 %. # Accomplishment/Activity Relevance to Objective Total Percentage Work (%) 1 Summer Internship Start: May 28, 2024 End: July 19, 2024 G-1: Develop an interdisciplinary STEM team involving students from two HSI universities: UPRM and UPRAg, 32 GS and 52 UGS. The alums will benefit from problem-solving tasks in tropical fruit crops through an academic program mainly in spectroscopic drone technology applied to agriculture. 2 Workshops Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) G-3: Educate STEM and agriculture students through workshops, students' certifications, demonstrations, and data management in lab-controlled experiments and fieldwork analyses. 3 Visits to Schools: Outreach Activities G-4: Students supported will provide outreach activities to recruit HS students into agriculture and related science careers. Additionally, students will train local farmers to monitor crop growth, stress, and plant health using remote spectroscopic technology. SUMMER INTERSHIP AT MAYAGUEZ CAMPUS The growing importance of research is transforming the higher education process as an essential component of academic and professional training. For this reason, with the Project that is being carried out, the opportunity was offered to 4 undergraduate students from the University of Puerto Rico, Aguadilla Campus, to carry out a summer internship in the different laboratories of PI and CoPI researchers among the students are Natalia Pellot Pérez, Ilianys Valentin Gonzalez, Jadiel Gonzalez Justiniano, and Christopher Acevedo Chaparro. The internship took place at the facilities of the Mayagüez campus, beginning on May 28, 2024, and ending on July 19, 2024. Below are some photographs of the first day. During the first two days, the UPR Aguadilla students rotated through the different laboratories and selected the investigations with which they had the greatest affinity. Soft Skill Workshops? After finishing the rotation through the research laboratories, the UPR-Aguadilla students had a "Soft Skill Workshops," a series of lectures to complement their summer internship experience. The first talk in the lecture series was "Security Management for STEM Laboratory," presented by Dr. Samuel P. Hernandez Rivera and his graduate students, Tamara Felix Massa and Isabel Aguirre Ortiz. In this seminar, Dr. Hernandez showed details of the operation and safety rules of STEM research laboratories were offered. Then, the students had the conference "Data Base Searching and Organizations Results," presented by Prof. Grisell Rodriguez. In the conference of Prof. Rodriguez, the students became familiar with the Campus's databases and the searching the information from primary scientific sources. Following, the students had the conference of "Introducción a estilo APA: Reglas basicas y recursos para aclarar dudas," presented by Prof. J. J. Morales Benítez. In this lecture, students learned how to correctly write the references of their scientific publications following APA standards. Subsequently, the students had the workshop "Tropical Crops Care," presented by Dr. Elvin Román Paoli. In this workshop, the students had a work on the basic care of tropical crops and then went to the "Alzamora farm" to observe farm of tropical crops in the field. Then, the students had the conference of "Ética en la Investigación" presented by Dra. María Plaza. At this conference, the students had the conference of ethics, focused on research work and collaboration, and finally, the use and abuse of artificial intelligence. Later, the students attended the conference "Plagio," presented by Prof. Jacquelina Alvarez. At this conference, students learned the basic aspects of plagiarism and its consequences. They also learned how to place references properly and avoid plagiarism. Subsequently, the students attended the conference on "Optical and nanophotonic detection in agriculture" presented by Dr. Francisco Bezares. At this conference, the students had a focus on our research on tropical fruits with a focus on agriculture. Finally, the students had the conference on "Manuscript and Report Writing Skills," presented by Dr. Enrique Melendez, where they learned the correct way to prepare scientific reports and the basic components of scientific publications. Workshop in the field The students visited the "Jeanmarie" farm in the municipality of Aguada, Puerto Rico. There, they saw various tropical fruit crops, including pineapple, cocoa, mango, and papaya. The students visited the Molecular Science Research Center (MSRC) in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico. During their visit to the MSRC, they had the opportunity to use Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to observe a micrography of her nanomaterials that were synthesized in our laboratory. Finally, the students visited the USDA facilities on the Campus. They went to the Tropical Agriculture Research Station (TARS), where they could see the collections of tropical fruits. They learned how crops are maintained and the research carried out at the facilities to avoid and control pests. After eight weeks of summer internship, the students of Aguadilla Campus showed their results in a mini-symposium on Wednesday, July 17, 2024. The young Jadiel O. Gonzalez Justiniano presented the results of his internship with Dr. Enrique Melendez. His presentation was titled "Synthesis of gold nanoparticles functionalized with Thiol PEG Acetic Acid." Christopher G. Acevedo Chaparro presented the results of his internship with Dr. Marcos A. De Jesus. His presentation was titled "Glyphosate trace detection in Carica Papaya plants using SERS Raman Spectroscopy." The students Jadiel O. Gonzalez Justiniano, Natalia Pellot Pérez, and Ilianys R. Valentin González presented the results at his internship with Dr. Samuel P. Hernandez Rivera. The title of his presentation was "Surface-Enhanced Raman (SERS) and IR (SEIRA) for the study of Chemical and Biological threat absorbed on gold and silver nanoparticles on stainless steel substrates." NIFA - WORKSHOP_EDUCATIONAL COMPONENT GS Steven Palmer gave a webinar teaching UGS and GS on "Improving Project Outcomes with Lean Six Sigma What is Lean Six Sigma and its profound impact on improving Project Results." It provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of the fundamentals of Six Sigma, introduced the key concept of DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control), and placed special emphasis on the Define phase.? ? Figure 47. Webinar teaching students green and yellow belt Six Sigma tools for optimal results. Yaliz Loperena, Ph.D. gave a webinar teaching UGS and GS about what a poster is, when a poster can be used, tools to make a poster, parts of a poster, how to prepare a poster, and different tools necessary to prepare a poster in the best way to captivate the public and organize the information coherently.? Figure 48. Webinar teaching students how to prepare a scientific poster?? Process the data obtained in the spectra taken at the QCL. This program will help students analyze data more efficiently, organizing files as required.? Figure 49."How to use QCL - Data program ?."? Also, in May, part of the CCS CISAC team participated in the poster session of the Lab to Market event at the University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez.? Figure 50. Participation in a poster session from Lab to Market: Filling the Gap Figure 51. Semi-annual project meeting at CCS/CISAC ?At the end of the semester, the CCS CISAC group met to discuss each Project with its director, Samuel Hernandez.?? How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? NIFA - WORKSHOP_EDUCATIONAL COMPONENT GS Steven Palmer gave a webinar teaching UGS and GS on "Improving Project Outcomes with Lean Six Sigma What is Lean Six Sigma and its profound impact on improving Project Results." It provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of the fundamentals of Six Sigma, introduced the key concept of DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control), and placed special emphasis on the Define phase.? ? Figure 47. Webinar teaching students green and yellow belt Six Sigma tools for optimal results. Yaliz Loperena, Ph.D. gave a webinar teaching UGS and GS about what a poster is, when a poster can be used, tools to make a poster, parts of a poster, how to prepare a poster, and different tools necessary to prepare a poster in the best way to captivate the public and organize the information coherently.? Figure 48. Webinar teaching students how to prepare a scientific poster?? Process the data obtained in the spectra taken at the QCL. This program will help students analyze data more efficiently, organizing files as required.? Figure 49."How to use QCL - Data program ?."? Also, in May, part of the CCS CISAC team participated in the poster session of the Lab to Market event at the University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez.? Figure 50. Participation in a poster session from Lab to Market: Filling the Gap Figure 51. Semi-annual project meeting at CCS/CISAC ?At the end of the semester, the CCS CISAC group met to discuss each Project with its director, Samuel Hernandez.?? What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Discussion of activities performed Upcoming Activities Describe activities you plan to complete during the next reporting period. # Activity Anticipated Completion 1 Continue Research and Development activities with GS and UGS Aug. 2026 2 Continue Visits to High Schools Aug. 2026 3 Continue Webinars and Training to All Project Participants Aug. 2026
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Annual Project Report: 3rdAnnual ReportPeriod Start: 9/1/2022End: 8/31/2026 PI: Samuel P. Hernández-Rivera, Ph.D., Co-PIs: José A. Centeno, Ph.D. and Marco de Jesús, Ph.D. This Project is focused on determining if Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) spectroscopy can detect trace amounts of Chemical and Biological Threats (CBT)on tropical fruit crops. The SERS spectrum of each CBT wasacquired, and the detection limit (LOD) for each analyte was determined to support this assertion.First, SERS spectra of the test molecule 1,2-Bi(2-pyridyl) ethylene (BPE) were obtained to accomplish this. We could detect 1.0 x10-13 g/µL of BPE on stainless steel (SS).Then, using a Chemical Printer (Photon Systems, Corvina, CA), gold (Au) or silver (Ag) NPswere deposited onto SSsubstrates in 10 x 10 mm2 spaces.Subsequently, the SERS substrates were used to detect the analyte of interest:in this case, Glyphosate, aherbicide organic compound. Papaya leaveswere taken and washed with deionized water to remove impurities. Subsequently, they were placed in an amber jar with methanol for the extraction of chlorophyll, the characteristic pigment of the leaves responsible for their green color. MULTIVARIATE ANALYSIS: Principal Component Analysis (PCA) emerges as an invaluable tool in exploring and understanding the underlying structure of complex, multidimensional datasets.Partial Least Squares (PLS) analysis can be used for quantitative analysis.The previously collected datawas used to develop the models and subsequently evaluate its effectiveness in predicting the concentration of a sample with unknown concentration.Specifically, when entering a concentration of 500 ppm, the software calculated 497.89 ppm, indicating an excellent agreement between the prediction and the actual data. The limit of detection (LOD) is3.3(σ/S), where σ is thestandard deviation, and S is the slope (coefficient of x variable). By replacing the values, we get σ = 64941, S = 1135.8,and the LOD= 189 ppm or0.36 mg/cm2. Co-PIEnrique Meléndez-Martínez, Ph.D. and Co-PI Félix R. Román-Velázquez, Ph.D.? Gold nanoparticles (AuNP) have gained fame in the fight against cancer for their photothermal properties and plasmonic properties.Functionalization by binding polyethylene glycol(PEG)molecules linked to hydroxyl groups can improve the specificity with which a nanoparticle detects or affects a cancer cell. PEG molecules linked to hydroxyl groups canbind to AuNP, but its other end, not bound to the nanoparticles, can bind to different proteins, such as an antibody.That is why this research aims to auscultate all the parameters that can optimize the conditions for the functionalization of nanoparticles with thiol PEG acetic acidto occur effectively. Conclusion The spectra obtainedshowthe characteristic spectrum of cylindrical nanoparticles obtained by visible ultraviolet light spectroscopy. Two bands can be observed in the spectrum, and this is characteristic of a cylindrical nanoparticle. The most intense band, which is between 500 nm wavelength, is attributed to the wavelength absorbed by the nanoparticle horizontally (longitudinally). The less intense band shown in the spectrum, which is between 290-300 nm, is attributed to the wavelength absorbed by the nanoparticle in a transversal way. This can be confirmed with the data obtained in the Zetasizer, where the difference in size between the two dimensions (length and width) can be observed. Co-PI: Eduardo I. Ortíz-Rivera, Ph.D. The objective of this project is to create a machine-learning (ML) system that can classify a papaya fruit as healthy or unhealthy while identifying the underlying disease. Previously, the team worked on a Papaya Fruit Recognition System (PFRS) specifically focused on the Carica Papaya fruit and the diseases Ring Spot, Anthracnose, Black Spot, and Phytophthora Root Rot. The way these diseases manifest in the fruit was analyzed, and images were captured as examples of a fruit in a diseased state. The causes, symptoms, and management options of each disease were also presented. An MLsystem was developed using an existing image classifier and retraining for the features that were desired. After careful consideration, the selection of an optimal model for efficient simultaneous detection of various diseases in papayas led to the use of a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN). In this context, the choice of Python and its specialized ML libraries was crucial. The initial classifier was developed using TensorFlow, focusing on determining whether papaya was healthy or unhealthy, utilizing an initial dataset. During testing, a tendency toward overfitting was identified, attributed to limitations in the initial dataset. A comparative analysis of the training graph led to the conclusion that the model did not exhibit the expected behavior. In response, the dataset was significantly expanded by incorporating approximately 1GB of images covering papayas in various health states, including specific diseases such as Anthracnose, Phytophthora Blight, Chocolate Spot, Sticky Disease, and Black spot. To advance the Project, it is crucial to expand the dataset by incorporating common diseases and fungi found in Puerto Rico. SubawardRecipientOrganization: University of Puerto Rico, Aguadilla Campus Recipient's Project Contacts:Dr. Héctor Iván Areizaga-Martinez and Dr. Eddie Marie Román-Morales, Co-PI USDA-NIFA-HSI students who participated in the summer internship at UPRMconcluded their participation in the program by training the group of students who will take their places under the sponsorship of the program. Our research group worked on incorporating the ideas and recommendations that were made in the different activities in which they participated in the past semester. Ms. Yarelis Vargas wasselectedto study a specific aptamer for the detection of Oxamyl pesticide. Ms. Vargas had been working with the computer simulation of a specific aptamer to evaluate their potential biological sensor for the detection of a pollutant pesticide like Oxamyl. The selected aptamers are identified in the following table: The simulations performed by Ms. Vargas and coworkers showed the possible biding points between the analyte and the different aptamers. The American Chemical Society (ACS) PRChapter held its annual technical meeting, during which graduates and undergraduate students presented their research and/or research proposals to the scientific community. The UPRAG students sponsored by the NIFA award presented their proposals during the 46th Senior Technical Meeting at Guayanilla, PR, on November 4, 2023.
Publications
- Type: Conference Papers and Presentations
Status: Published
Year Published: 2023
Citation:
P.N. Malav�-Chac�n and S.P. Hern�ndez-Rivera, SERS for the detection of CBTs using Gold NRs, 46th ACS STM, 2023.
T.P. Vega-Ruiz and S.P. Hern�ndez-Rivera, SERS Detection of Trace Pollutants and TICs, 46th ACS STM, 2023.
J.L. Plata-Enr�quez and S.P. Hern�ndez-Rivera, Analytical Method Development using QCL Spectroscopy for Determining Low Levels of CBTs on Surfaces�, 46th ACS STM, 2023.
J.L. Plata-Enr�quez, L.C. Pacheco-Londo�o, and S.P. Hern�ndez-Rivera, Influence of VOx on TiO2 NPs and the Mechanical Properties of Chitosan Films, 46th ACS STM, 2023.
J.L. Plata-Enr�quez, P.D. Soler-Rodr�guez, T.P. Serrano-Zayas, E.S. Lebr�n-Ram�rez, J.A. Centeno-Ortiz, and S. P. Hern�ndez-Rivera, SENTRY DHS COE RB.1B Multisensors Sensing Platforms: Detecting Low Vapor/Aerosols Concentrations of CBTs, 46th ACS STM, 2023.
T.P. Serrano-Zayas, Carlos Gonz�lez, Brian Reyes, Carlos R�os-Vel�zquez, Eduardo I. Ortiz-Rivera, and S.P. Hern�ndez-Rivera, �Detection of CBTs using QCL Spectroscopy in Unmanned Vehicles�, 46th ACS STM, PR.
J.A. Centeno-Ortiz and S.P. Hern�ndez-Rivera, DHS SENTRY COE WPDP-D Center of Chemical Sensors & Chemical Imaging and Surface Analysis Center Facilities, 46th ACS STM, 2023.
T.Y. F�lix-Massa, T. P. Vega-Ruiz, P.N. Malav�-Chac�n, and S. P. Hern�ndez-Rivera, NPs Synthesis and Characterization for CBTs Applications�, 46th ACS STM, 2023.
W. Carri�n-Roca, A.M. Col�n-Mercado, J.R. Castro-Su�rez, E.R. Caballero-Agosto, C. R�os-Vel�zquez, J. A. Centeno-Ortiz, and S.P. Hern�ndez-Rivera �Chemical Sensing of Common Microorganisms Found in Biopharmaceutical Industries Using MIR Laser Spectroscopy and MVA�, 10th International Conference on Medical Geology, 2023, Mexico.
- Type: Conference Papers and Presentations
Status: Published
Year Published: 2023
Citation:
T.P. Vega-Ruiz, S.P. Hernández-Rivera, SERS for the Detection of Trace Herbicides, 46th ACS STM, 2023, PR.
S.P. Hernández-Rivera, SENTRY, IWAS, & NIFA Programs at Center for Chemical Sensors and Chemical Imaging and Surface Analysis Center, 46th ACS STM, 2023.
J.A. Centeno-Ortiz, B. Finkelman, D. Fridman, N. Manay, K. Dowling, S.P. Hernández-Rivera, Integrative Approaches to Medical Geology: Practical Applications and Challenges, 46th ACS STM, 2023.
J.L. Plata-Enríquez, M.A. Villarreal-Blanco, P.D. Soler-Rodríguez, E.R. Caballero-Agosto, T.P. Serrano-Zayas, S.P. Hernández-Rivera, Detecting CBTs Using QCLS, 46th ACS STM, 2023.
J.A. Centeno-Ortiz and S.P. Hernández-Rivera, Metal Ions in the Environment: A Medical Geology Perspective, 46th ACS STM, 2023.
J.L. Plata-Enríquez and S.P. Hernández-Rivera Analytical Method Development using MIR Lasers for Determining Low Concentrations of APIs, 46th ACS STM, 2023.
P.N. Malavé-Chacón, T. Félix-Massa, J.A. Centeno-Ortiz, and S.P. Hernández-Rivera, Silver and Gold NPs on Silanized Glass SERS Detection of BPE, PETN, and Adenine, 46th ACS STM, 2023, PR.
T.Y. Félix-Massa and S.P. Hernández-Rivera, SERS Study of CBTs Adsorbed on Au/Ag NPs Substrates, 46th ACS STM, 2023.
W. Carrión-Roca, A.M. Colón-Mercado, F.M. Colón-González, J.R. Castro-Suarez, E.R. Caballero-Agosto, T.P. Serrano-Zayas, C. Ríos-Velázquez, J.A. Centeno-Ortiz, and Samuel P. Hernández-Rivera, Chemical Sensing of Common Microorganisms Found in Biopharmaceutical Industries Using MIR-LS and MVA, 46th ACS STM, 2023.
M. A. Villarreal-Blanco, J.L. Plata-Enríquez, M.P. García-Tovar, J.A. Centeno-Ortiz, and S.P Hernández-Rivera, Detection and Quantification PETN with Gold NPs Deposited on Hair Using MIR-LS Assisted By MVA, 46th ACS STM, 2023.
S. Palmer-Velázquez, J.L. Plata-Enríquez, and S.P. Hernández-Rivera, An Alternative Approach to CV: Utilizing Grazing Angle IR Spectroscopy to Detect Trace and Ultra-Trace APIs, 46th ACS STM, 2023.
G.L. Vargas-Alers and S.P. Hernández-Rivera, Development of Novel Chemical Sensor for the Detection of HEs Using SERS, 46th ACS STM, 2023.
M.P. García-Tovar, Z. Arnedo-Quintana, and S.P. Hernández-Rivera, Sorting Plastics Using Spectroscopic Techniques, 46th ACS STM, 2023.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2323
Citation:
Plata-Enríquez JL, Puche-Mercado JF, Palmer-Velázquez S, Carrión-Roca W, Colón-González, FM, Hernández-Rivera SP, Analytical Method Development Using Quantum Laser Cascade Spectroscopy with Diffuse and Attenuated Total Reflectance for Determining Low Concentrations of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients. Austin J Anal Pharm Chem. 2023; 10(1):1157.
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