Advancing Academic NIR Research with Portable NIR Technology

Introduction

In the last decade, the number of research publications on portable Near-Infrared (NIR) technology have surged by over 400%. This increase highlights the growing importance of portable NIR technology in various fields, and this trend shows no signs of slowing down.

This raises questions for those unfamiliar with the technology: What exactly is portable NIR technology? Meanwhile, for those already acquainted, why are these numbers skyrocketing, and why are top universities diving headfirst into this research area?

In this blog, we will explore why researchers find this technology valuable and how it is advancing the NIR research landscape. Moreover, we'll uncover how NeoSpectra has been championing this technology for over a decade, alleviating key pain points for researchers, providing them with cutting-edge tools, and fostering an ever-growing community.

What is Portable NIR Technology? And how does it differ from traditional NIR methods?

Portable NIR is an important milestone in the evolutionary history of Near-Infrared (NIR) spectroscopy, which stretches back to the 1800s. Researchers have played a pivotal role in this evolution, transforming NIR spectroscopy into a critical tool for various industries to perform rapid, non-destructive analysis of material composition.

By studying the unique vibrational energies of molecular bonds, particularly C-H, O-H, and N-H, which absorb specific wavelengths in the near-infrared region (780 nm to 2500 nm), researchers have enabled precise identification and quantification of different substances.

Historically, the implementation of NIR technology was limited to research laboratories due to the need for large, expensive benchtop spectrometers. These instruments, while highly accurate, required controlled environments and skilled operators, restricting their use to specialized settings.

Over the last decade, however, technological advancements, particularly in Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) and optical components, have enabled a major shift in this field.

MEMS technology has facilitated the development of miniaturized portable NIR spectrometers. These devices integrate key components into compact, robust units, democratizing NIR analysis and allowing it to be conducted in situ across various environments, from agricultural fields to pharmaceutical manufacturing floors.

This miniaturization has not only retained the core benefits of traditional NIR technology—namely rapid, non-destructive analysis—but has also added unparalleled convenience and flexibility.

Portable NIR technology represents a significant leap forward in the field of analytical chemistry, replacing bulky, high-cost instruments with handheld devices capable of delivering comparable analytical performance.

These portable units are now employed in diverse applications, including quality control, process monitoring, and real-time decision-making, highlighting their transformative potential.

For industry professionals, portable NIR devices offer enhanced efficiency and immediate on-site analytical capabilities, significantly improving operational workflows.

Researchers benefit from the opportunity to explore new use cases for NIR, broadening the scope of their investigations and uncovering novel applications. The collaboration between industry professionals and researchers fosters innovation, driving the development of new applications and refining existing techniques.

This symbiotic relationship ultimately enhances both academic research and practical applications, paving the way for continuous advancements in the field of NIR spectroscopy. Given the mutual interest in portable NIR by industry and academia, this explains the growing trend in publications on this subject.

Why is Portable NIR the future of NIR research?

The most compelling reason to embrace portable NIR technology is that it's the future. While this field has already produced significant results, it remains fresh with plenty left to explore.

More models need to be created, more tests conducted, more materials analyzed, and more parameters checked. The growing trend doesn’t stop here; it’s just beginning. Integrating portable NIR with emerging technologies like AI, cloud portals, and robotics unlocks even greater possibilities.

For instance, according to current research projects, NIR with drones is being explored to analyze extensive agricultural fields, evaluating soil and water quality. Additionally, Robotic control systems, as seen in this patent, facilitate automated NIR sampling.

Moreover, a breakthrough is expected with advancements in AI and machine learning. These technologies significantly expand the potential of computational methods for advanced analyses to interpret spectral data, opening new avenues for research and discoveries.

Studies using machine learning with NIR spectroscopy, such as those analyzing the biochemical content of raw food materials, illustrate this potential. The applications of portable NIR are continually expanding, and the potential future uses are limitless.

The mentioned examples are just a drop in the ocean. Research in this field is rapidly growing, and those who enter it early will be better positioned to leverage the advancements and secure their place in the future of NIR technology.

Recognizing this trend, many prestigious universities have already adopted portable NIR devices. Universities such as Ohio State University, the University of Georgia, and Cornell University have integrated these tools into divers

From Environmental, Animal feed and Forensics to hemp cannabinoid content analysis, these devices have demonstrated incredible results. Researchers can prepare their datasets, create models, and use the devices to measure materials with  impressive accuracy and reliability, all thanks to the portability and efficiency of NIR technology.

As we've explored the growing importance and benefits of portable NIR technology, it’s clear why top universities and researchers are eagerly adopting these advancements. If you want to know more about Portable NIR technology, you can reach out to one of our experts from Here.

However, to fully appreciate its transformative impact, it’s crucial to understand the significant challenges that traditional NIR methods presented. Let's delve into these challenges and see how portable NIR technology addresses them. Continue reading to find out more.    

How does portable NIR technology overcome traditional NIR challenges?

Traditional NIR spectroscopy often required expensive benchtop devices, posing a significant financial burden for research institutions and limiting accessibility.

The complexity in data management further compounded these challenges, with intricate software and analysis processes demanding specialized skills and significant time investments. Additionally, the maintenance of these sophisticated instruments was both costly and time-consuming, often leading to extended downtimes and further delays in research progress.

 Now that we understand the challenges researchers faced when transitioning from traditional benchtop NIR devices to portable NIR, let's delve into how NeoSpectra addresses them.

How is NeoSpectra leading the portable NIR field?

NeoSpectra has been a front runner in the field of portable NIR technology, growing along side the rise of NIR analysis.

This leadership is recognized by esteemed universities and institutions such as the French National Institute for Agriculture, Food, and Environment (INRAE), University of Oxford, São Paulo State University, Ohio State University, University of Innsbruck, Cornell University, Cranfield University, Georgia Institute of Technology, University of Milan, University of South Carolina, Queen's University Belfast, University of Campinas, University of Texas at Austin, University of Wisconsin–Madison, The University of Sydney, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, and many others.

Findings from their research scientifically prove the adequacy of NeoSpectra' s performance in enabling real applications. Here are some key excerpts from these studies:    

"... The data and models developed in this study demonstrate the utility of low-resolution NIR Spectra in this application, and the potential of new, low-cost spectrometers in the application of predicting forage nutritive value."

"... Overall, the work has demonstrated the applicability of NeoSpectra device to be utilized at various stages of the food supply chain, for the rapid and cost-effective screening of Oregano authenticity."

"... Our results support the assertion that a handheld NIR spectrometer has a high potential to simultaneously determine several quality attributes of different types of tomatoes in a practical and fast way"

For further studies and detailed insights, please visit the publications page on NeoSpectra's website. Additionally, a comprehensive summary showcasing the performance of portable NIR devices against traditional benchtop instruments—highlighting their portability, speed, and versatility—can be found in our latest Research Digest

Download the Digest

One reason for the recognition from the universities mentioned above is NeoSpectra’s versatility. Think of NeoSpectra as the Swiss Army knife of material analysis, capable of handling a wide range of applications with ease and precision.

Whether working with powders, liquids, or even non-homogeneous solids, NeoSpectra has got you covered. This broad spectrum of applications demonstrates the adaptability and precision of NeoSpectra devices.

You can even use multiple NeoSpectra devices in your lab without breaking the bank, ensuring accurate and exceptional results every time. To meet the diverse needs of sample types for researchers, NeoSpectra offers a range of products and accessories:

• Rotator accessory  
• Saucer accessory
• Powder Kit
• Liquid Kit

Each accessory product is designed to deliver accurate, reliable data while being budget-friendly and easy to use. More information about the use of the cutting-edge scanner and the features of these accessories is summarized in the following brochures.

NeoSpectra devices are remarkably cost-effective, allowing labs to deploy multiple units without burning a hole in their budget. This affordability does not come at the expense of accuracy; NeoSpectra devices deliver precise and reliable results, making them a valuable investment.

The ability to equip a lab with several devices enhances research capabilities and throughput, ultimately leading to more comprehensive and faster scientific discoveries. By balancing cost and performance, NeoSpectra ensures that researchers can achieve exceptional results without compromising their financial resources.

Check our Neospectra Scanner

Effective data management is important for any research endeavor, and NeoSpectra excels in this area with the integration of the LabLake platform. LabLake facilitates seamless data management by providing a centralized system for data storage, analysis, and sharing. This platform simplifies the workflow, allowing researchers to easily manage and interpret their data, collaborate with colleagues, and ensure data integrity.

The ease of use and robust features of LabLake significantly reduce the complexity and time required for data management, enabling researchers to focus more on their core scientific activities. More information about the LabLake platform can be found in the brochure.

Check NeoSpectra LabLake portal