05 November 2026
Bilbao
The smartJAN project, developed by the eVIDA research group at the University of Deusto in collaboration with the company Kernet and the Miranda Foundation, has successfully developed a functional prototype capable of identifying the presence of LTPs (Lipid Transfer Proteins), a family of plant proteins that includes allergens capable of triggering severe allergic reactions, which are particularly relevant in the Mediterranean region.
The initiative, funded through the Basque Government’s Hazitek programme, combines near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) with signal processing algorithms and artificial intelligence. This technology works by shining a light onto the food and analysing how it is reflected, which generates a spectral ‘fingerprint’ that artificial intelligence interprets instantly to determine whether the product contains any hazardous substances, without the need to destroy it or send it to a laboratory.
From university research to the food industry
The main aim of the research was to demonstrate the technical feasibility of detecting allergenic proteins from the LTP family, which are present in numerous plant-based foods. These include, in particular, Pru p 3, found mainly in peach skin, and Ara h 9, found in peanuts, which have been the subject of study in the project. Begoña García-Zapirain, leader of the eVIDA team at Deusto, points out that this technology could have a much wider range of applications, as previous tests have demonstrated its effectiveness in identifying gluten or the presence of bacteria in meat; the system therefore also paves the way for the early detection of pathogens that cause food poisoning, such as Salmonella.
Having completed the initial phase with the creation of a validated prototype, the project is now ready to move on to the commercialisation stage. The device is not intended for end consumers or domestic use, but rather for integration into quality control processes within the food industry, supply chains or commercial kitchens. Once the protocols to validate its reliability have been completed, the speed of the analysis could facilitate food screening and complement conventional analytical methods, helping to streamline quality controls and strengthen food safety.
Vulnerable groups
The Miranda Foundation’s involvement in the consortium brings a social dimension focused on healthcare for people aged 65 and over, a group for whom the prevention of food-related risks and attention to specific dietary needs are particularly important.
With the research phase now complete, the next step in bringing this tool to market will depend on industry interest in turning the prototype into a marketable control device.
The smartJAN project is an example of collaboration between the business, social and academic sectors, combining eVIDA’s technological capabilities with the expertise of the technology company Kernet and the Miranda Foundation to develop innovative solutions focused on health and well-being.
Further information
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