Dr. Himanshu Saxena, a distinguished innovator, assumes pivotal roles as Co-founder and Director at ESniff Devices Pvt. Ltd. and as Founder and CTO at Multiverse Health LLC. Renowned for his expertise in research and development spanning semiconductors, thin films, materials science, materials characterization, lasers, and optics, Dr. Saxena’s contributions are pivotal in advancing technology across multiple domains. His extensive research portfolio encompasses a diverse array of topics, including thin film technology, semiconductor lasers, mid-IR spectroscopy, and MEMS sensors, reflecting his profound understanding and versatility in the field.
Dr. Saxena’s academic journey underscores his commitment to excellence, holding an M.Sc. in Physics from the University of Roorkee, now IIT Roorkee, an M.Tech. in Materials Science and Technology from IIT Kharagpur, and a Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Central Florida. His scholarly pursuits have yielded significant contributions, with numerous technical papers published in esteemed conference proceedings and international journals.
In an exclusive dialogue with The Interview World, Dr. Himanshu Saxena illuminates their latest breakthrough: colorimetric sensors for detecting bacteria in food products. Emphasizing the critical role of these bacteria stickers in upholding food hygiene and safety standards, he elucidates their multifaceted applications across various industries. Moreover, Dr. Saxena underscores the paramount importance of affordability and accessibility in deploying this technology widely.
Through his insights, Dr. Saxena not only showcases his technical prowess but also underscores his commitment to driving innovation that positively impacts society. His visionary leadership continues to propel advancements in technology, fostering a brighter and more sustainable future for all.
Q: How does your new technology for bacteria stickers function in assessing the presence of bacteria in food products or other substances?
A: In our pursuit of commercialization, we’re focusing on a groundbreaking technology: a compact sticker designed to assess the overall bacterial load in various environments. This innovative tool aims to pinpoint areas at heightened risk of bacterial infection. Initially appearing blue, the sticker undergoes a gradual color change to pink as bacterial concentrations escalate. Through seamless integration with a dedicated mobile application, users gain real-time insights into bacterial presence and proliferation.
The accompanying app employs advanced image processing algorithms to analyze color changes, capturing the sticker’s initial hue, tracking its evolution, and determining the current color state. By correlating these data points, the app provides users with a precise bacterial count, enabling them to swiftly gauge the severity of bacterial contamination in the monitored location. This capability empowers users to promptly address potential health hazards associated with elevated bacterial levels, ensuring timely intervention and mitigation measures are implemented as necessary.
Q: How does the detection technology for bacteria work?
A: Certainly! The underlying technology utilized is known as colorimetric sensors, which are comprised of specific chemicals. These sensors react when exposed to bacteria or the gases they emit, causing chemical changes in the sticker’s chemistry. Consequently, the color of the paper sticker undergoes a noticeable alteration. This mechanism enables a visual indication of bacterial presence, making it a simple yet effective method for detection in various applications, from healthcare to food safety.
Q: How might the implementation of this technology enhance efficiency and productivity for food producers and processors while potentially impacting the quality of the food?
A: Certainly! This technology holds significant potential across various sectors, with agriculture and food processing units being notable beneficiaries. These units deal with perishable goods, such as fresh produce and meat, which are particularly vulnerable to spoilage.
In the intricate web of the food supply chain, cold storage serves as a vital link in preserving these items. However, even a minor disruption in the cold storage system can trigger spoilage, fostering the growth of harmful bacteria.
Herein lies the importance of integrating this innovative technology. By employing specialized stickers, any alterations in color serve as an unmistakable signal of spoilage. This proactive measure empowers stakeholders to swiftly identify compromised batches or items, thus averting potential losses and upholding food safety standards.
Ultimately, the implementation of this technology promises to enhance efficiency and reliability throughout the food supply chain, ensuring that consumers receive high-quality, uncontaminated products.
Q: What factors do you believe will influence the market adoption of this technology?
A: Given its inherent ability to increase value or save money for businesses, this type of application stands a good chance of being embraced by existing supply chain systems. Through acceptance, these systems could mitigate losses and enhance operational efficiency, thus fostering smoother and more effective business operations in the long run.
Q: How can these stickers be effectively utilized across various sectors?
A: The healthcare sector stands as a significant field where these sensors can be exceptionally effective. In hospitals, they play a crucial role in maintaining a sterile environment, particularly within ICUs, where the risk of cross-contamination is high. The presence of numerous ill individuals increases the likelihood of severe bacterial infections, posing fatal risks to patients.
Moreover, beyond hospital settings, these sensors find utility in everyday environments like homes. Currently, detecting bacterial presence, especially in situations like wall seepage, requires time-consuming processes such as sampling and petri dish cultivation. Integrating these sensors could offer real-time monitoring solutions, enhancing hygiene standards effortlessly.
Additionally, meat processing plants stand to benefit significantly from this technology. Traditionally, rigorous cleaning processes involving steam and hot water are employed, often resulting in excessive cleaning durations. By providing real-time cleanliness assessments, these sensors optimize cleaning schedules, allowing for more efficient plant operations.
Furthermore, industries responsible for skincare products, regulated by entities like the FDA and similar organizations in India, require stringent contamination checks due to their direct application on human bodies. Implementing sensor technology ensures adherence to quality standards, thus minimizing costs associated with cleanliness maintenance across various sectors.
Q: How accessible will this technology be for food supply chains or companies in terms of affordability, and is it designed with consideration for its accessibility to the general public?
A: One of the notable advantages of paper-based sensors is their affordability; they are incredibly inexpensive to produce. This technology has been developed with a keen focus on financial considerations, making it viable for large-scale implementation. Consequently, the cost per sensor can be significantly reduced.
Moreover, users need not deliberate over whether to utilize these sensors; their usability is straightforward. In terms of pricing, businesses benefit from the ability to purchase in bulk, which further drives down the cost per individual sensor. Therefore, the expense of acquiring these test stickers becomes highly affordable for establishments.
