PetriTag: the sustainable, paper-based, portable bacterial detector for the fish transport system

Claudine Boeglin Latest 22 October 2024 16 minutes read

PetriTag is an evolution of the Petri dish. A sustainable, intelligent, paper-based, and cost-effective bacterial detector, PetriTag was designed to be a reliable agent of change in the fish transport system – and the fresh food industry in its entirety.

Introduction

Eating is everything: pleasure, self-preservation, a social art, a human necessity, a sense of togetherness – and, most importantly, an active and deliberate effort in fishing, harvesting, transporting, gathering, and selecting fresh food.

Today, eating healthy and consciously preserving the environment has become a collective calling and a way of life. With pleasure in distinction, both sensory and intellectual, the act of eating has been permeated by foodie culture and its recipe books. Social awareness around body and mental health has grown, highlighting the benefits of preventive care. With the steady rise in fresh, nutritious, unprocessed food consumption, shifts and challenges have emerged in the industrial world, particularly in aquaculture and animal protein-based fresh food.

At every step of the food chain, eating requires considerable effort and care around transformation, packaging, storage, transportation, shelving, and delivery of food products, with a constant concern for quality and safety.

This is even more crucial in a country like Portugal, the 3rd largest fish consumer in the world, with only Iceland and Japan as its challengers. Fish is ingrained in every stratum of Portuguese culture and geography, and cultural theorists agree that a population's dominant diet is much more than a means of physical nourishment – it’s a significant part of the culture, of the way of life of that population.

Background

Located in Lisbon's South Bay, between the majestic Costa da Caparica and NOVA School of Science and Technology (FCT NOVA), AlmaScience is a collaborative innovation R&D lab and technology incubator for sustainable functional materials and green electronics.

At its core, each concept and innovation seeded by the lab must be sustainable, easy to produce, easy to implement, cost-effective, and offer high-tech performance with minimal environmental impact. Unsurprisingly, the materials favored by AlmaScience researchers are often cellulose and paper, ensuring eco-friendly functional devices.

This article’s focus is on a miniaturized, pre-loaded, portable Petri dish and tag designed for bacterial detection. Its mission is to ensure safety and transparency in fish transportation and consumption: meet the PetriTag.

For those unfamiliar, a Petri dish, also known as a Petri plate or cell-culture dish, is a shallow, transparent-lidded dish that biologists use to hold a growth medium for culturing cells, mainly bacteria, fungi, and small mosses.

PetriTag detects bacteria in each departing fish box, providing peace of mind for professionals and consumers alike in a rapidly growing market. This concept is particularly important for nutrient-rich, protein-based foods like raw fish, livestock, or farmed fish, which can be affected by the natural environment, supply chain processes, human intervention, or the conditions and duration of storage and shelving, all of which carry the risk of contamination or degradation. PetriTag is advanced technology without any electronic components.

Bruno Veigas, Senior Researcher at AlmaScience, reveals the goals behind PetriTag: “With the development of PetriCell Dry™, the motivation was to track and detect bacterial growth at clinical labs, a solution hidden from the public eye. Instead, PetriTag is rooted in the everyday human need for fresh food. It is a sustainable bacterial detection system with broad, direct application in society. It supports consumers who favor diets with effective quality control.”

PetriTag allows the informed consumer to eschew traditional expiration dates and contributes decisively to reducing food waste. It embodies a future where the fresh food industry professionals gain greater control over their products up until they reach consumers’ hands, which can in turn autonomously monitor the quality and longevity of the fresh goods they bring to the family table.

The challenge: simplicity and autonomy

We know that how fresh food is moved about and the conditions it is subjected to impact enormously the end product. Currently, the tracking system for fresh fish involves sampling a single transportation box in an entire shipment, sending the sample to a lab, and waiting for the results. This process is time-consuming, costly, and unpredictable. Relying on one sample for an entire shipment introduces the risk of safety gaps, leading to unforeseen spoilage.

The goal in designing PetriTag was to create a simple, sustainable solution for bacterial detection that isn’t tech-dependent. It can be stored in dry for up to 12 months and requires no additional equipment, no refrigeration, and no experts to analyze the results, eliminating the need to send samples to a lab, saving both time and costs.

We’ve reached a point where everyone is aware of what we’re putting into our bodies. Our food choices impact our physical and mental health, life expectancy, and independence. These factors are all tied to the quality of our food. PetriTag aligns with that empowering feeling that it’s up to us to make healthy choices and supports us in that mission.
– Bruno Veigas, PetriTag Researcher, AlmaScience

The concept: sustainable bacterial detector

PetriTag is a development that builds on PetriCell Dry, which replicates a traditional Petri dish. PetriTag goes a step beyond, prioritizing simplicity and autonomy. Made from paper and hydrogel, PetriTag reacts to the presence, density, and type of bacteria through colorimetric change. This color shift requires no specific literacy or scientific knowledge to interpret. PetriTag consists of:

Paper-based substrate (for uniform and automatic water absorption). Unlike plastic-based substrates, which have a major environmental impact, paper-based substrates offer the same benefits as traditional rigid materials: insulation, high strength, and low cost, with added flexibility.
Flexible substrates are unique due to their lightness, transparency, flexibility, stretchability, insulation, and corrosion resistance.
Rehydratable hydrogel with a culture medium for bacterial growth and detection. The hydrogel has high elasticity and can swell, or collapse based on its hydration level.
Hydrophobic paper spacer, which allows the hydrogel to swell without compression.
Waterproof encapsulating polymer, designed to allow optimal bacterial growth while limiting water evaporation.

The portable, pre-loaded tag is tiny – about the size of a child’s fingerprint. This flexible stick-on tag is activated in three simple steps: peel off the adhesive cover, place it on the test surface, and monitor the color changes.

For large-volume containers, introduce the test sample into the chamber, place the lid with the tag on the container, and monitor the color changes. For hard-shell casings, place the encapsulated tag in contact with the sample (directly or indirectly) and monitor the color changes.

PetriTag booklet cover — Click to download the PetriTag booklet

Validation and lab tests

PetriTag has been lab-tested for selected media and bacteria and is capable of quantitatively analyzing bacterial contamination.

Today, this innovation sits at the crossroads of practical application and market demand: “Initially, PetriTag stemmed from an existing technology we were developing for another application. We saw the opportunity to adapt our PetriCell Dry technology for the fishery logistics chain. A way to detect bacteria directly in each fish box was welcome by some of the stakeholders we interacted with”, says Luís Pereira, CTO of AlmaScience. “Simultaneously, we were also in contact with stakeholders involved in selling fish directly from the sea to consumers, bypassing the traditional fish market. This model also needed an anti-bacterial detector for individual fish boxes before delivery. Although these business applications weren’t part of our original concept, they align perfectly with market requirements at this seafood intersection.”

Illustration of fish nutrients — In the global food supply, seafood plays a crucial role, accounting for about 17% of animal protein and 7% of all protein consumed (FAO, 2022).

A key component of a healthy diet, seafood provides essential nutrients for human health. Omega-3 fatty acids contribute to brain development, support metabolic function, and help prevent cardiovascular disease. In addition, seafood offers micronutrients such as zinc, iron, calcium, iodine, selenium, and vitamins A, B12, and D, all vital for human development and preservation (Source: Panorama Solutions for a Healthy Diet).

Preventive healthcare, sustainable diets, and physical and mental well-being are now central to government policies and are also driving tech developments, from tracking wearables to health apps.

Reassessing food supply priorities with a focus on sustainability, particularly honoring ocean and aquaculture resources with reduced waste and improved bacterial detection methods, is crucial. This approach will safeguard the seafood industry, ensuring safe transport, storage, and delivery, while minimizing foodborne risks.

Implications are broad, thanks to the colorimetric approach, which has a low adaptation threshold. For now, PetriTag can detect specific types of bacteria that develop on fish, making it a multi-analysis tag capable of detecting three different bacteria at once.
– Luís Pereira, CTO, AlmaScience

Seafood consumption has increased globally, with an average annual growth rate of 3.0% between 1961 and 2019, nearly double the world’s population growth rate. According to the OECD/FAO (2021 report), seafood consumption is expected to rise by about 15% worldwide by 2030.

With increased consumption comes increased responsibility

Rising seafood consumption places pressure on stocks and ecosystems, increasing the risk of overexploitation. It also raises the likelihood of contamination, as foodborne diseases can occur at any stage of the food production, delivery, and consumption chain. These diseases may stem from environmental contamination – such as polluted water, soil, or air – or unsafe food storage and processing (Source: WHO).

As preventive health and nutrition take center stage, national campaigns against highly processed foods and excessive sugar intake emphasize the importance of nutrient-rich, protein-packed diets. Nutritionists now assess school cafeteria offerings, while individuals become more knowledgeable about their food choices, checking labels and using online resources to guide them.

Since the 1960s, fish consumption has steadily increased, calling for easy-to-use, smart safety solutions to ensure quality.

In the United States alone, foodborne illnesses affect an estimated 48 million people each year – roughly 1 in 6. Of those, 128.000 are hospitalized, and 3.000 die from foodborne diseases (Source: CDC).

With intelligent, affordable bacteria detection systems, these numbers can be drastically reduced. Fish, with its many varieties, habitats, and forms – from salted, smoked, frozen, and canned to fresh and filleted – requires sophisticated biochemical systems to ensure quality throughout its supply chain.

In its current design, PetriTag is intended for food producers and logistics operators. However, ethical concerns may arise, as some operators may prefer not to disclose what happens during transportation. If final consumers demand product traceability, adoption of this technology could accelerate, prompting producers and logistics operators to embrace it more widely.
For high-value, rare products, transparency in quality and safety will be key, especially in limited-resource environments. The speed of adoption will depend on national regulations and consumer demand.
– Luís Pereira, CTO, AlmaScience

At the end of the chain, curated online platforms promote "The Best Seafood Delivery Services," focusing on safety. As Business Insider notes, “With all the fish and shellfish-related considerations, finding a fillet at the grocery store that you feel confident about is daunting. Seafood delivery services can help facilitate top-notch catches accompanied by loads of information and ordering options.”

PetriTag: an everyday solution for everyone

PetriTag has the potential for broader applications beyond the fish industry. It could, for instance, scan public surfaces, measure water quality while traveling, or help street vendors with regular safety checks. But its primary focus remains on the fish industry:

Having already developed a similar technology at AlmaScience for microbial analysis, the next step was to test the tags in a real environment. This happened thanks to our partner SEA EIGHT, a Portuguese company specializing in sustainable fish farming. We collaborated with them to conduct tests in real-world conditions. The innovation is protected, with a patent for PetriTag submitted, and the next step is to scale it for industrial production. Although we still need to define the market value of the technology, its estimated production cost is extremely low and cost-effective.
– Luís Pereira, CTO, AlmaScience

The simplicity of PetriTag’s use and its autonomy make it appealing to both large industrial complexes and independent entrepreneurs. In the future, it may also appeal to a generation of conscious consumers, who prioritize environmental sustainability, food provenance traceability, and food safety. There could be a strong case for consumers to demand PetriTag adoption at the industrial level.

As more solutions emerge to offer hands-on tools for preventive care, Millennials, in particular, are motivated to take control of their health.

PetriTag aligns with the evolution of wearables that assist individuals in monitoring their health. From heart rate and blood pressure to more complex bodily functions, wearables provide insights before and after physical activity. But why stop there? PetriTag opens the door to monitor bacteria-induced conditions, such as recurring urinary infections, with a device that offers both privacy and autonomy – much like a pregnancy test.

The potential extends beyond human health. PetriTag could be a valuable tool in nature, particularly in areas with limited or no connectivity. It offers a simple, autonomous way to evaluate water quality at the beach, along rivers, or while camping. This versatility positions PetriTag as a possible lifesaver for those in remote regions where water safety and long distances to medical facilities pose significant health risks.

In developing countries, PetriTag could also benefit street vendors who rely on the quality of their food for their livelihoods. By ensuring their products meet safety standards, PetriTag could protect these vendors from selling spoiled or contaminated goods, safeguarding both their income and their customers.

Petri Tag’s role in the "Packaging of the Future" initiative

In summary, PetriTag is:

Sustainable: Smart, portable, paper-based, and recyclable.
Polyglot: Capable of detecting multiple bacteria with a single, multiplexed analysis.
Low-Key: Autonomous, requiring no specialized equipment or personnel.
Long-Life: It has a long shelf life, requiring no refrigeration.
Universal: Easy-to-read colorimetric changes make bacterial detection simple for anyone.
Innovative: Aligns with the EU Recovery and Resilience Plan agenda “Embalagem do Futuro” (or “Packaging of the Future") and is being tested by SEA EIGHT, a sustainable fish farming company.

PetriTag’s design speaks to the broader goals of the “Packaging of the Future" initiative, part of Portugal’s national Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR). This initiative focuses on creating sustainable, digital, and inclusive packaging solutions for a more environment-friendly future. PetriTag fits perfectly within this vision, particularly in sustainable fish transport systems.

The Recovery and Resilience Plan – designed to implement a set of reforms and investments to propel the country into sustained economic growth in convergence with European goals over the next decade – is guided by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on the imperatives of sustainability, with an implementation period running until 2026.

Packaging of the Future is focused on different aspects of packaging: new sustainable packaging, recyclable packaging based on plastic, etc. And within these subprojects, AlmaScience was engaged to work on the development of a device specifically for what is called ‘live fish transport’, and part of the ‘cold delivery chain’.
– Luís Pereira, CTO, AlmaScience

Live fish transport is the transfer of aquaculture products, high-value finfish from wild capture fisheries, crustaceans, and mollusks from a production holding facility to a retailer or restaurant. Live fish transport enables fish and fish products to be transported long distances in a controlled environment, which helps to maintain product quality and freshness and prevent illness and spoilage that would occur in non-live products. Live fish and shellfish are transported on the sea by specially designed vessels, on land by vehicle, or by air as airfreight (Source: FAO).

Graphic of fish consumption worlwide: Iceland is nº 1 at 91 Kg per year per capita, followed by the Maldives at 84 Kg, and Portugal at 57 Kg. — Fish Consumption Around the World (Source: Statista):

**Asia** consumes 72% of global fish production.

**Top consumers (per capita)**: Iceland, the Maldives, Portugal, South Korea, and Japan.

**Portugal** leads Europe in fish consumption and ranks 3rd globally, with the average Portuguese consuming 59 kg of fish annually.

**Contrasts:** landlocked and conflict-affected countries like Afghanistan and Ethiopia consume less than 1 kg per year.

With 1,794 km of Atlantic Ocean coastline, Portugal's naval prowess has always been central to its identity. Historically, Portugal’s wide-hulled caravela enabled the country to traverse oceans and establish trade routes across the globe. Today, Portugal maintains a strong fishing tradition but relies heavily on imports to meet its seafood demands from suppliers such as Spain, followed by the Netherlands, Sweden, and Denmark. As fish consumption rises – with Portugal’s popularity as a tourist destination added –, so does the need for innovative technologies like PetriTag, which can ensure safety and quality throughout the supply chain.

Conclusion: “A piece of paper that’s a bit smarter.”

Among the 20 Groundbreaking Inventions from The Last 100 Years, you’ll find the computer, the smartphone, the Arpanet, the World Wide Web, the microwave, and the 3D printer. And three low-key, simple, and portable inventions that have permeated everyday life: the flash card, the Post-it, and the LED light bulb. Pocket-size digital memory, tiny to-do lists, and a durable, energy-efficient way to light up our homes.

“One of PetriTag’s major advantages is its simplicity. Unlike conventional methods, it requires no special refrigeration or transportation conditions. Tests show that PetriTag has a shelf life of 12 months, even at room temperature”, says Luis Pereira, CTO of AlmaScience. Now, it might just be that PetriTag enters the realm of “low-key, simple, portable, and sustainable inventions” by detecting bacteria and safely securing seafood in its road or boat trip from the sea to the seafood lover.

There is a simplicity to the tool: no battery, no technology, the universality of the colorimetric reading, and the zero-skill needed to track its changing colors in real-time. As I come from a biotech background, I can foresee how PetriTag could be expected as a simple solution for clinical opportunities, not just food products.
– Bruno Veigas, PetriTag Researcher, AlmaScience.

Yes. Pretty awesome! 😊

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