Based on the activities developed so far, CHEMOSENS aims to increase the search for excellence, internationalization and knowledge transfer, promoting interaction between group members and external collaborators. The scientific challenges foreseen for the near future are the following:
- CHEMOMETRICS AND QUALIMETRICS
We develop and apply data analysis tools to extract useful, reliable and interpretable information from complex chemical data. This research line includes the processing of instrumental signals, the development of calibration and classification models, the validation of analytical methods and the assessment of result quality.
We work especially with spectroscopic data, such as NIR and MIR, as well as with other sources of multivariate information, with the aim of predicting relevant properties, optimizing processes and supporting decision-making in areas such as food, agro-industry, energy and quality control.
- INSTRUMENTAL SENSOMETRY
We study food quality by combining instrumental techniques, sensory analysis and advanced data processing. Our goal is to obtain objective information about relevant food properties, such as aroma, composition, ripening, authenticity and the technological suitability of raw materials.
This research line is particularly relevant to the wine sector, in which the group has extensive experience, but it is also applied to other products such as olive oil, beer, fruit, water, nuts and other food matrices. We use chromatographic techniques, olfactometry, electronic noses, infrared spectroscopy and multivariate models to characterize products, define quality descriptors and develop rapid monitoring and control tools.
- NANOSENSORS
We design and develop sensitive, portable and low-cost analytical devices for the detection of compounds and relevant parameters in real samples. This research line includes the development of electrochemical sensors, nanosensors and iontronic platforms capable of amplifying signals and enabling the simultaneous detection of several analytes.
We work on integrating these devices into simple and scalable formats, such as paper-printed sensors, with applications in health, well-being, food, fermented beverages and process control. The ultimate goal is to move towards functional prototypes that can be used outside the laboratory and transferred to industrial or field settings.