Transforming Kiwifruit Harvesting with Innovative Biosensors
Scentian Bio, a groundbreaking startup leveraging insect olfactory receptors, is revolutionizing how Zespri, the world’s leading kiwifruit marketer, determines the ideal harvesting time for its fruit.
Backing from Zespri Innovation Fund
This pioneering pilot project is financially supported by the Zespri Innovation Fund (ZAG), an annual $2 million initiative dedicated to supporting innovative trials with companies, social enterprises, and academic institutions aimed at enhancing Zespri’s operations through technological advancements and climate resilience.
About Scentian Bio
Founded in 2021 as a spin-off from The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research, Scentian Bio, based in Auckland, utilizes patented technology developed by Dr. Andrew Králíček, its founder and CTO. The company focuses on creating biosensors that employ the biological machinery of insects to interpret olfactory stimuli from their surroundings.
Enhanced Sensitivity for Maturity Assessment
Unlike traditional methods that depend on Brix and dry matter tests to gauge kiwifruit maturity, Scentian Bio’s approach measures volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This more advanced method helps growers accurately pinpoint the optimal harvest time, boosting shelf-life and quality throughout the supply chain.
“If you optimize the harvest timing, you’ll have more fruit of better quality, which stores better and lasts longer,” says CEO Jonathan Good.
Real-Time Testing Advantages
With insights into key compounds linked to fruit maturation, Scentian Bio aims to replace the lab sample method with rapid, intuitive tests that can be performed on-site in orchards. Good highlights that sugar and dry matter tests are limited in predicting ripening quality.
“We are unlocking valuable information about VOCs that traditional technologies struggle to access,” says Králíček. He emphasizes the importance of timely harvesting, “Even slight deviations in harvest time can significantly impact the ripening process.”
Leveraging Predictive AI Models
Olfactory receptors, which reside in the membranes of insect sensory neurons, are expressed in insect cell lines by Scentian Bio. They create a predictive AI model utilizing a comprehensive database of receptor-compound interactions.
By identifying specific compounds that signify ripening, the company can tailor its sensors for accurate detection. “Using a combination of receptors is essential since one receptor alone cannot differentiate multiple compounds,” explains Králíček.
Collaborating with Global Food Enterprises
Scentian Bio is currently engaged in pilot projects with five major global food companies and has also received a grant from the Gates Foundation to develop a prototype aimed at detecting infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and malaria.
Conclusion
Scentian Bio’s innovative approach to utilizing biosensor technology represents a significant step forward in agricultural practices, particularly in kiwifruit harvesting. By blending scientific expertise with real-time application, the startup is set to enhance productivity and sustainability within the food industry.
Further Reading:
Discover more about how Zespri is committing to climate resilience and decarbonization through its innovation initiatives.
