To optimize the consumer experience, a significant segment of the produce industry has been focused on extending the shelf-life of fresh produce. One of the compounds often used in shelf-life extension technologies is 1-MCP as it is capable of blocking ethylene receptors, slowing down the ripening of fruit. "Over the years, lots of companies have come up with ideas that involve 1-MCP to extend the shelf life of produce and keep produce fresher longer," says Galen George with Felix Instruments. While this sounds promising, 1-MCP is a very volatile compound, making it challenging to measure its exact levels. "It's just not a very convenient chemical to monitor and measure."
Differentiating between 1-MCP and ethylene
Felix Instruments noticed the gap in the ability to measure 1-MCP levels and applied their expertise. In recent years, they built a system that's able to measure 1-MCP. It's an electro-chemical sensing technology and the sensors are capable of sensing between 1-MCP and ethylene. "We are the first company in the world to offer a commercially available system capable of differentiating between 1-MCP and ethylene and monitoring the concentrations of both compounds separately in real-time." The technology has been tested against the current standard (GC-FID) and the results of this multi-sensor array have been validated.
1-MCP sensors from Felix Instruments.
Real-time results
After having developed the base technology, Felix Instruments developed an instrument in the form of a 1-MCP gas analyzer that accurately measures 1-MCP. "In addition to the accuracy, what's also unique about the device is that it measures 1-MCP in real time and provides results immediately," George said. Users are able to see a graph with results in real time, showing how effective the treatment is. "The real-time feature is the biggest game changer for the industry," he added.
The biggest benefit of the new 1-MCP gas analyzer is that it allows for 1-MCP to be applied as effectively as possible. Producers of 1-MCP technologies will be able to offer their customers a better product. "Ultimately, we all benefit as it gives everyone access to fruit that stays fresh longer. It's a huge benefit al the way down the supply chain to end consumers."
Out of all fruits, apples are the biggest 1-MCP recipients and the way they respond to 1-MCP has been studied the most. The new measuring technology has been validated in apple cold store rooms.
The 1-MCP device will be officially launched at the end of Q1.
Fruit Logistica Berlin
The 1-MCP gas analyzer is in the final stages of development and is scheduled to be launched at the end of Q1, 2025. Galen George and the Felix Instruments team will be available to answer questions about this new instrument at Fruit Logistica Berlin from February 5 - 7 in Hall 3.1, booth C-11.
For more information:
Galen George
Director of Applied Science
CID Bio-Science / Felix Instruments
Tel: +1 (360) 833-8835
ggeorge@cid-inc.com
www.cid-inc.com