A recent study published in Micromachines introduces a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) that leverages near-infrared (NIR) spectral detection for multi-component gas analysis, with a particular focus on food safety. The researchers highlight the sensor’s ability to provide real-time, high-sensitivity detection of gases emitted from food products—an essential capability for industrial monitoring, environmental safety, and food integrity.
Study: Near-Infrared Spectral MEMS Gas Sensor for Multi-Component Food Gas Detection. Image Credit: Vladimir Chen/Shutterstock.com
Traditional gas detection methods, such as gas chromatography and electrochemical sensors, are effective but come with drawbacks—they can be bulky, expensive, and struggle with mixed gas environments, like those found in food storage and processing.
Food safety is a top priority, and having a reliable, highly sensitive sensor that functions well in real-world conditions, even with background gases present, is crucial. That’s where MEMS technology steps in, offering a compact yet powerful solution without sacrificing accuracy.
How the Sensor Works
To develop this MEMS NIR spectral gas sensor, the researchers treated a silicon wafer surface to create a Fabry–Perot optical cavity—essential for enhancing spectral absorption and improving detection accuracy. The device’s three-dimensional stacked packaging keeps it compact while optimizing the optical path, ensuring precise gas identification.
But the hardware is just part of the equation. The researchers also built a robust data processing framework, incorporating spectral preprocessing techniques like smoothing, detrending, and normalization to clean up data before analysis. They tested various qualitative modeling techniques, focusing on support vector machines (SVMs) with different kernel functions, fine-tuning them through cross-validation to ensure reliable gas mixture identification.
For testing, they analyzed gas samples from food products, including ethanol, Korean kimchi, and durian pulp. By evaluating varying ethanol concentrations, they assessed the sensor’s ability to quantify and detect gases relevant to food freshness and spoilage.
What They Found
The results were pretty promising. The sensor demonstrated over 90 % accuracy in identifying mixed gas samples and an impressive 96 % accuracy in blind tests for ethanol concentration classification—critical metrics for food safety monitoring.
Another major advantage of the sensor was its speed, as it was able to deliver results in under six seconds, a crucial factor in food production settings where quick decisions can prevent spoilage and waste.
The device also showed strong selectivity for specific gases while minimizing interference from background odors, a key feature for food safety applications where multiple volatile compounds overlap. By combining NIR spectral technology with sophisticated modeling algorithms, the researchers developed a sensor that effectively overcomes the challenges of complex food aroma detection.
The study also discusses how this technology could be incorporated into food processing and storage systems, as well as the potential for further improvements. The researchers propose refining human-in-the-loop modeling techniques to help the sensor recognize new odors, potentially broadening its applications in food safety monitoring.
Conclusion
This research is integral to food safety monitoring. The MEMS NIR spectral gas sensor that was recently developed offers real-time, multi-gas analysis, addressing the limitations of traditional methods with impressive accuracy and speed. As the technology evolves, it could become an essential tool for maintaining food quality and safety across the supply chain.
With its compact size, high sensitivity, and rapid detection capabilities, this sensor has the potential to totally transform current food safety practices. As researchers continue refining the technology and expanding its applications, we may soon see these sensors integrated into food processing and storage systems, playing a crucial role in ensuring the food we consume remains safe and fresh.
Journal Reference
Yan X., Tan Y., et al. (2025). Near-Infrared Spectral MEMS Gas Sensor for Multi-Component Food Gas Detection. Micromachines. 16(2):135. DOI: 10.3390/mi16020135, https://www.mdpi.com/2072-666X/16/2/135