The aim is to illustrate the physical principles, experimental problems and main applications of some advanced spectroscopic methodologies that are widely used in food safety, both as food integrity monitoring in production and conservation procedures and as detection of possible harmful contamination. The objective of the course is to provide students with the knowledge and consciousness in selecting among different spectroscopic methodologies the most appropriate for specific applications.
Course Prerequisites
Basics of classical and modern physics, at least at a qualitative level. In particular basics of electromagmetism. Basics of mathematics.
Teaching Methods
Lectures, group working with discussion with the teacher.
Assessment Methods
Learning will be verified through an oral exam. The student will have to concisely present a report on a research work - from a scientific paper selected in agreement with the teacher - and based on one or more spectroscopies (among those covered by the course), discussing the problem involved and demonstrating to know - at least on a qualitative level - the physical basics. If necessary, questions may also be proposed to test the student's ability to argue critically regarding the topics covered during the course and not included in the in-depth analysis.
Texts
Chemical Analysis of Food - Techniques and Applications 2nd Edition - June 16, 2020 - Editor: Yolanda Pico
Contents
Initially, spectroscopy-related basics are covered, primarily the radiation-matter interaction, with the aim to describe the scientific bases of the different methodologies presented during the course. The main techniques used in the field of food safety will then be qualitatively described. In detail: UV-vis-NIR absorption, Fluorescence and Raman spectroscopies, magnetic resonance techniques (NMR - Nuclear magnetic resonance, EPR - Electron Paramagnetic Resonance) and optical techniques based on plasmonic resonances. In relation to these methodologies, the possibilities for real-time monitoring in production lines and supply chains will also be illustrated, also recalling multi- and hyper-spectral methods.
