Tehran: A group of researchers from the Sharif University of Technology have developed a portable spectrometer to determine the authenticity of saffron, an important step in addressing challenges in its production, packaging, and export. Iran is the world's main supplier of saffron, accounting for 80% of annual production.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, the international standard for determining saffron quality (ISO-3632) highlights solvent extraction and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopic techniques as crucial methods for analyzing saffron metabolites. One of the knowledge-based companies in the Science and Technology Park of Sharif University of Technology, Pars Sanjesh Noavar Sharif Company, has produced a portable spectroscopic system named the Saffron Analyzer. This device is capable of analyzing saffron in the wavelength range of 400 to 1000 nm, allowing for rapid, on-site analysis of saffron in solid form.

Elaborating on the company's mission, CEO Hadi Parastar Shahri stated that the company aims to develop new spectroscopy and imaging technologies. These are combined with artificial intelligence (chemometrics) techniques to determine the authenticity, health, and quality of food and pharmaceuticals. The company's agenda includes determining the authenticity and quality of food, agricultural, and livestock products; improving food security; tracking agricultural products; supporting sustainable agricultural development; producing healthy products; and promoting the export of food and agricultural products with a focus on strategic items.

Shahri added that the company is also focused on developing various artificial intelligence models for rapid, inexpensive, and non-destructive measurement of food. They plan to utilize various mobile laboratory spectrometry and imaging methods, and design software related to artificial intelligence methods for analytical purposes.