Already developed by a University of Leicester team to spot counterfeit medicines by scrutinising the packaging, the technology now has experts working to transfer this to analyse liquids in bottles.
 
As well as helping to stamp out the big problem of counterfeit whisky and fine wine, it could also have major potential for airline security systems, they believe.

The technique relies on detecting  differences in characteristics of light reflected from printed packaging. (Left:Guy Peters, SRC)

Developed originally from a spectrometer designed and built by the Space Research Centre for astronomical research, the technique was adapted for use in the pharmaceutical world by the University of Leicester team in conjunction with university spin-out firm Perpetuity Research & Consultancy International Limited, specialist crime and security consultancy.
 
Now the technology is being adapted by the Leicester team for use in detecting fake liquids, with experts at De Montfort University (DMU) providing skills in product design and rapid proto-typing so that a handheld device can be created.
 
“The support from the Food and Drink iNet will allow us to take the technology and apply it to whisky and fine wines,” said Tim Maskell, Knowledge Transfer Manager in the Space Research Centre at the University of Leicester.

L2R: Tim Maskell, knowledge transfer manager, Space Research Centre; head of commercial design Professor Peter Ford from DMU;  iNet advisor for Leicestershire Stevie Jackson; Kate Broadhurst, PRCI Ltd; and project manager Guy Peters, University of Leicester.

“The iNet funding will enable us to design, build and test a laboratory prototype that will allow us to prove technology works. If we can then take the technology and do something similar with other liquids, there are potential airport security opportunities too.”
 
The project is one of five Collaborative R&D grants worth a total of more than £235,000 announced by the Food and Drink iNet, which co-ordinates innovation support for businesses, universities and individuals working in the food and drink sector in the East Midlands. The team has been awarded £50,000 towards the almost £71,000 cost of the research project.
 
Funded by East Midlands Development Agency (emda) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the Food and Drink iNet is one of four regional iNets that has developed an effective network to link academic and private sector expertise and knowledge with local food and drink business innovation needs.
 
“This is a fascinating research project between the University of Leicester, De Montfort University, the Scotch Whisky Research Institute (SWRI) and Leicestershire brewery Everards, which brings together space tech and the food and drink sector and offers real commercial benefit,” said Food and Drink iNet director Richard Worrall. “Being able to test a liquid such as whisky or wine for authenticity without opening the bottle would bring major benefits to the drinks industry, as well as having opportunities in other fields, such as airport and airline security."
 
Acquaculture lacks whisky shine
Stirling University's 38 year old Institute of Aquaculture with a team of 56 face staff  face redundancies of 20-25 as the university attempts to claw-back a £2m deficit.

Scotland on Sunday reports  the Institute amalgamated with the University's School of Science in early 2011, and has long term links with Malawi, Asia and Bangladesh where aquaculture is the world's fastest growing animal production industry producing almost half of the world's food fish supply and worth around £450m to the Scottish economy - more than the fishing industry.

In January the Institute made a major contribution to the UK Government funded project on Global Food and Farming Futures  with  Professor Brian Austin, director of the Institute noting “The extent of our contribution to this important report demonstrates the broad range of expertise and interests at the University of Stirling.”

Professor Gerry McCormac  is principal of Stirling University.  A spokesman said  "A consultation has been going on for several months. It goes back to October when we confirmed that the Institute of Aquaculture has a deficit that at the time was identified as over £2m."