Next-Gen Sensing Technology | Dual-Use Technology

The Product:

What is Plasmonic Sensing :

Plasmonic sensing is a groundbreaking solution initially scoped for military applications to protect solders and first responders from entering areas of chemical warfare by means of UAV CBRN detection. Now we are revolutionizing plasmonic sensing in manufacturing and logistical fields of Food and Beverage, Oil & Gas, Chemical, Cleantech, Medical, and Pharmaceutical. The solution is a sophisticated sensor that mimics the olfactory sensory by using a vision data collection technology to determine what chemical agents are present immediately. This technology is used to complement PCR and culture testing to help private and public sector customers bring awareness in a real-time manner to their quality and safety risks within their respective environments.

Our Mission

At ValorTrac, our unwavering dedication is to empower those who tirelessly serve, protect, and uplift our communities–from the military and law enforcement to emergency responders and essential industries. As a veteran-led, dual-use technology firm, we innovate with integrity, passion, and excellence, prioritizing the needs of those in defense, public safety, healthcare, agriculture, and manufacturing. Our core purpose is to stand beside and support the very individuals and sectors that form the backbone of our society.

Technology

Value Proposition Statement

Empowering decisions with immediate results. Our plasmonic sensor technology reduces risks for public and private industry customers by being capable to detect multiple foreign biochemical, virus, and bacterial agents simultaneously in real-time. Our cutting edge technology also allows our sensor to be reusable between test samples, compact with low power consumption, and maintain a high efficiency and sensitivity. Can you imagine being able to detect a chemical agent in your food manufacturing facility, and then detecting a foodborne agent only seconds from your first detection. Our main goal is to provide immediate awareness to the detection of any agent in order to make quicker decisions to minimize exposure or losses.

How it Works

The design of our sensor uses the basic properties of plasmonic nanoparticles and photonic crystals. When a noble metal nanoparticle is irradiated with light, its surface electrons begin to oscillate coherently, generating a strong localized electromagnetic field. Also known as a surface plasmon resonance, this field is extremely sensitive to changes in its vicinity. Also known are the color changing characteristics of spatially varying photonic crystals and their sensitivity to changes in the index of refraction of one of its constituent materials. Our invention combines these two effects to generate a novel, multivariable hybrid sensor – our device consists of biologically inspired spatially-varying photonic crystal wells filled with plasmonic nanoparticles.

Use Cases

Food and Beverage

Provide foodborne agent detection along the whole food and beverage supply chain from raw materials, transportation, manufacturing, warehousing, and retail locations.

Foodborne Agents

Salmonella: A group of bacteria that causes salmonellosis, a common form of foodborne illness.
Listeria monocytogenes: Responsible for listeriosis, a serious infection usually caused by eating food contaminated with the bacteria.
Escherichia coli (E. coli): Certain strains (like E. coli O157:H7) can cause severe foodborne disease.
Staphylococcus aureus: Can produce a toxin that causes staphylococcal food poisoning.
Campylobacter: One of the most common causes of diarrheal illness in the United States.
Clostridium botulinum: Produces a toxin that causes botulism, a life-threatening illness.
Clostridium perfringens: Known for causing one of the most common types of foodborne illnesses in the United States.
Norovirus: A highly contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea.
Hepatitis A: A virus that causes liver disease and can be transmitted through food or water.
Bacillus cereus: A type of bacteria that produces toxins causing vomiting and diarrhea.

Pharmaceutical

In pharmaceutical manufacturing, the focus of our stationary and mobile sensors would be primarily ensuring an immediate result of any agents that affect the sterility and purity of pharmaceuticals, especially those intended for parenteral administration (injections, intravenous infusions, etc.).

Antimicrobial Agents

Escherichia coli (E. coli): A bacterium commonly tested for due to its potential to cause serious infections.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa: Known for its resistance to antibiotics, it’s a common contaminant in water and can pose a risk in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Staphylococcus aureus: A bacterium that can cause a range of illnesses and is a concern in pharmaceutical manufacturing due to its prevalence and potential to contaminate products.
Bacillus species: Spore-forming bacteria like Bacillus subtilis are tested for, as their spores can survive harsh manufacturing environments.
Aspergillus species: A type of mold that can contaminate raw materials and environments, posing a risk in pharmaceutical production.
Candida albicans: A yeast that can contaminate pharmaceutical products, especially those with organic components.
Salmonella species: Although more commonly associated with foodborne illnesses, Salmonella can also contaminate pharmaceutical raw materials.
Clostridium species: Known for their spore-forming abilities, which make them a concern in environments where sterilization is critical.
Mycobacterium species: These bacteria, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis, are tested for due to their hardy nature and potential to survive in diverse environments.
Endotoxins: Produced by Gram-negative bacteria, endotoxins are tested for in pharmaceutical manufacturing because of their stability and potential to cause febrile reactions in patients.

Our Partners

Who We Are

Bryce Taira

Co-Founder & CEO, Manufacturing, Product Management, Quality Assurance

Tim Miller

President, Founder & Owner, Defense & Gov’t Liaison & Veteran