The invention is a novel pH-meter based on Colorimetric Sensor Arrays (CSA), that surpasses the current limits of the CSA pH-meters, such as single use, relatively slow reaction times and inaccurate pH measurements both in acidic and basic ends of the scale.
The patent describes a device formed by a matrix of colorimetric sensors for the measurement of the pH. Measurements are based on the Hue (H) coordinate in the colour space HSV from the acquisition of images with a CCD camera. The position of sigmoidal H profiles (pH) can change by varying the concentration of a cationic surfactant: this allows an extension of the range within which a single indicator is stable, therefore creating a measuring system comparable to glass electrode meters: (i) even precision of the entire measurement range (pH 1.0-12.0); (ii) error inferior to 0.02 pH units; (i) response time around 10-20 seconds.
The instrument is reversible and can operate within a 10-30°C range. It is especially useful for in-line measurements (including turbid samples) given that it does not require continuous calibration.
TRL (Technology Readiness Level)
Inventors
Luca Cappellin
Paolo Pastore
Denis Badocco
Andrea Pastore
PoC@Unipd project
With the aim of supporting the competitiveness of businesses by enhancing industrial properties, the Ministry for Economic Development (MISE) has published a call for the establishment of patent enhancement programs, through funding of Proof of Concept (PoC) projects by Italian Universities, Public Research Institutions (EPR), and Scientific Institutions for Research, Hospital and Healthcare (IRCS).
Purpose of the call is establishing TRL (Technology Readiness Level) enhancement paths for technologies patented during academic research, and create the conditions to turn them into strategic opportunities for the business world.
After careful examination of the project proposals received by the Ministry Evaluation Committee, the University of Padua ranked 4th in the classification, and was authorized to develop 9 PoC projects.
The projects were selected by the University through an internal call and the program took the first steps in February 2021. From that moment on, the PoC Team started to work to validate the relevant technologies. The academic work team has been flanked by an external Expert Committee, comprising top scientific and professional resources (investors and entrepreneurs), capable of providing a respected standpoint on all strategic and planning choices.
UniSMART – Fondazione Università di Padova was tasked with managing the enhancement of the results of 9 projects, through its highly qualified, innovation-oriented staff, in the different PoC project sectors.