RAPID-ANF: Rapid sensor for smart process control in protein manufacturing
Helia Biomonitoring offers solutions to food manufacturers, to help reduce manufacturing costs and product waste, by enabling smart process control. Helia develops user-friendly sensor systems for use at or near food production lines. The sensors operate continuously and deliver measurement results within minutes, which is impossible with standard laboratory analysis.
Why it matters
The project addressed a significant challenge in protein manufacturing. The challenge involves the development of industrial-scale extraction and purification processes for the efficient and sustainable production of high-quality plant-based proteins.
One of the key hurdles is the variability in anti-nutritional factors (ANFs) present in feedstocks and production processes. ANF levels fluctuate and impact the efficiency, sustainability, and scalability of food-grade protein production processes. Helia’s sensors overcome this challenge by enabling real-time measurements and smart process control.
Rapid ANF measurements facilitate better control and optimization of protein production processes, contributing to more efficient, sustainable, and scalable methods for high-quality protein production.
What we built
Helia specializes in developing a platform sensor technology for measuring a variety of substances, with relevance for extraction processes, purification processes, and cell-based production processes.
Based on real-time biomolecular measurements, food companies are able to optimize their manufacturing processes in real time, which gives significant advantages in extraction and purification processes.
As part of the Highfive project, the aim was to gain insights into the suitability of the Helia sensor system for rapid measurements in food manufacturing. The sensing solution was developed and tested with a large industrial food company. The project was focused on real-time ANF measurements for extraction and purification of proteins from potato.
Impact so far
The Helia sensor system was tested with a large industrial food company. The sensor was found to be user-friendly, and it produced reliable measurement results. We tested a variety of process samples, which helped to identify areas for improvement, such as automation of sample pretreatment.
We also performed a market study, which revealed promising new directions for the sensor technology.
Thanks to the Highfive project, we gained valuable insights into how Helia’s sensor system can help in process control of protein extraction and purification, as well as how it can be applied in other value chains and regional areas, for reducing manufacturing costs and product waste.
The RAPID ANF project developed and successfully tested a smart sensor that measures anti-nutritional factors (ANFs) in plant-based protein production—directly and in real time. Unlike traditional lab testing that takes days, this sensor delivers results within minutes, helping food manufacturers make faster, data-driven decisions. The system was tested in a live factory setting and proved to be accurate, easy to use, and ready for industrial application.
To make the technology practical for factory operators, an automated sample preparation system was added. The sensor is now being explored for broader use in dairy, allergen detection, and water monitoring. With strong interest from the food industry and a clear path to certification, RAPID ANF sets the stage for smarter, more sustainable food production in Europe.
What's next?
With these insights and developments, Helia is now preparing to launch its first sensor product on the European market for protein production.
