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Ethan Pearce

Biography

I’m a PhD student at the Wolfson Atmospheric Chemistry Laboratories (WACL) at the University of York. I’ve previously completed my integrated Masters (MChem) degree in Chemistry at the University of York. I am investigating selected-ion flow-tube mass spectrometry (SIFT-MS) for analysis of aroma/flavour related volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to aid in food product development. My project is a collaboration with researchers at the Nestlé Product Technology Centre (NPTC) Confectionery in York.

Qualifications

Master of Chemistry (MChem) in Chemistry

Research interests

• Analytical chemistry
• Mass spectrometry and chromatography
• Aroma and flavour chemistry

Project title

Rapid flavour profiling for sustainable food product development.

Supervisors

• Professor Alastair Lewis

Funding

BBSRC Industrial CASE CSV Studentship with Nestlé and The Food Consortium CTP.

Project outline

The aromas and flavours of food products derive in part from human sensing of complex mixtures of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Flavour is critical for consumers yet is challenging to define quantitatively; small changes in the amounts and types of VOCs in a foodstuff can profoundly alter how it is perceived. Evaluating aroma chemistry is currently time-consuming and labour-intensive.

Selected-ion flow-tube mass spectrometry (SIFT-MS) is a rapid, on-line and real-time technique for quantitative trace gas analysis of VOCs. My project will explore and evaluate SIFT-MS for aroma/flavour detection and utilize innovative data techniques, including machine learning, to provide new methods for reliable categorisation of products and other critical diagnostics such as consumer perception and impurity detection. The project will include the development of sampling and screening methods, the production of novel calibration systems for flavour-relevant VOCs, and data workflows that allow for close to real-time interpretation. The end goal for the industrial collaborator is to accelerate product testing and development and improve sustainability.