Chemically or biochemically based indicators sought for integration into platform producing a visible response when exposed to pesticides

Kurzfassung

An Israeli SME is developing a novel platform for the detection of hazardous substances that can be tailored and infused with chemical detecting technology, indicating the presence of materials such as Lead, pesticides and explosives on surfaces. The unique method consists of user-friendly stickers that change color when they come in contact with hazardous agents. Partners having an applicable colorimetric-type technology for detecting pesticides on agricultural production are sought.

Details

The Israeli SME has developed a unique technology that enables them to produce stickers containing a selective chemistry which extracts and reacts with hazardous substances to give a clear indication of their presence to the laymen user.

The founders of the SME have extensive formal knowledge and particle experience in the field of chemistry and industrial manufacturing which, combined, allow them to realise their “lab in a stamp” technology.
The SME is currently engaged on expending its technological spectrum to include the ability to identify pesticides on the surfaces of agricultural products via their sticker platform for use by private consumers. As part of this effort the company is looking to integrate chemically or biochemically based indicators into its stickers, which would produce a visible response when exposed to pesticides (preferably by a distinct colour change).

Technical Specifications / Specific technical requirements:
1.The indicating technology should detect a wide spectrum of pesticides and not just a particular compound (i.e. most organophosphate pesticides).
2.The technology must be sensitive enough to detect residue quantities of pesticides on the surface of fruits and vegetables under ambient room conditions.
3.The technology (as a whole) should feasibly be able to be incorporated / encapsulated and miniaturised into the dimensions and structure of a sticker with an active surface area no larger than 4 square-cm.
4.The activation of the technology’s detection ability should preferably not require any external actuation aside from pressing/adhering the technology against a surface, and should allow for a straightforward implementation of the test by a non-technically-skilled user.
5.The technology should indicate the presence or absence of the pesticide within a 60 second timeframe.
6.The technology must present an easily discernable optical response to the identification of pesticides, but not necessarily quantifiable.
7.The technology must have a self-life of at least 12 months, and not require any stringent storage conditions.
8.The technology should not contain any toxic substances.