A feasibility study for the utilization of Cyrano sciences chemical sensor - Data logger technology with headspace gases for use in the processed and fresh market apple industries

The functional feasibility of the Cyrano Sciences dispersed conductive particle within organic polymer "electronic nose" - 32 chemical sensor data logger was assessed for measurement of apple headspace gas volatile chemical compounds. The functional target application was correlation with processing and fresh market parameters to improve apple product quality and safety. Apple headspace volatile chemical assessments included change over time, between varieties, and whole and juiced. For chemical compounds the assessments included flavors, essences, and known component mixtures. Where necessary, analytical support was obtained with gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. Statistical analyses included principal component analysis (PCA), hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and soft independent modeling of class analogy (SIMCA). Exploratory separations were observed between some cultivars and between whole apple and apple juice. Component mixture tests indicated clustering of chemical classes or similar components. The overall results indicate functional reliability and accuracy may be acquired with creative and application specific development.