Toward detecting boar taint compounds using low. power microwave sensors

Abstract

This work presents the use of low-power microwave sensors for the detection of two boar taint compounds, skatole and androstenone. These compounds are associated with malodour from entire male pigs, which has been a long-running challenge for the meat industry. A resonant cavity-based sensor is used to demonstrate selectivity, and limits of detection for skatole and androstenone at 7.1 and 41.4 ppm respectively, where both compounds were dissolved individually in ethanol and acetonitrile. The work is considered a step toward using this technique for on- or at-line monitoring of malodour compounds, particularly at the abattoir. The limitations of the method are discussed, in addition to ways it could be improved to provide limits of detection closer to those associated with consumer acceptability.