Prof. Dr. Zoltán Kovács - MATE Research
Overview
Dr. Zoltan Kovacs is full professor at the Institute of Food Science and Technology, MATE. His original scope of research is the application and development of artificial taste and odor sensing systems, with a major focus on the electronic tongue, it’s related measurement protocol and data evaluation techniques primarily in the field of food science. Since his post doc period at Kobe University, Japan he has become an expert in near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and the novel aquaphotomics technique. He investigates the application of these techniques for various systems including wide range of food matrixes, biological organisms, developing measurement and data evaluation protocols for rapid and non-invasive applications. He is the European Liaison of the International Aquaphotomics Society.
Research keywords:
Publications
Near-Infrared Spectroscopy
Near infrared spectroscopy as an alternative quick method for simultaneous detection of multiple adulterants in whey protein-based sports supplement
Detecting low concentrations of nitrogen-based adulterants in whey protein powder using benchtop and handheld NIR spectrometers and the feasibility of Scanning through plastic bag
Authentication of Tokaj Wine (Hungaricum) with the Electronic Tongue and Near Infrared Spectroscopy
Aquaphotomics
Water spectral pattern as holistic marker for water quality monitoring
Near-Infrared Spectroscopy and Aquaphotomics for Monitoring Mung Bean (Vigna radiata) Sprout Growth and Validation of Ascorbic Acid Content
Revealing the Effect of Heat Treatment on the Spectral Pattern of Unifloral Honeys Using Aquaphotomics
Electronic Tongue
Factors influencing the long-term stability of electronic tongue and application of improved drift correction methods
Standardized extraction techniques for meat analysis with the electronic tongue: A case study of poultry and red meat adulteration
Electronic Nose
Electronic nose for monitoring odor changes of Lactobacillus species during milk fermentation and rapid selection of probiotic candidates
Emerging trends of advanced sensor based instruments for meat, poultry and fish quality– a review
Historical evolution and food control achievements of near infrared spectroscopy, electronic nose, and electronic tongue—critical overview
Chemometrics
Essentials of aquaphotomics and its chemometrics approaches
Classification of bee pollen and prediction of sensory and colorimetric attributes—a sensometric fusion approach by e‐nose, e‐tongue and nir
Projects
Development of the complex system of fruit production and processing in the Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg region for efficient and sustainable economic operation
The most important objective of the project is to develop the conditions for ecosystem-based farming, to efficiently produce raw materials of appropriate quality and origin, to develop and implement complex technologies, to produce products with high added value, and to market them. The production of premium quality products by developing the whole food chain from farm-to-fork.
https://palyazatok.uni-mate.hu/ginop-2.2.1-18-2020-00025
FOOD Quality in Digital Age
The primary objective of the project is to promote knowledge sharing in the V4+ region (Visegrad countries and Serbia) on the digitalisation of agriculture, with a special focus on food production. The objective is to create an international research and education network by integrating the expertise and practical experience of the five regional universities.
https://ray.uni-mate.hu/en/web/mate-p%C3%A1ly%C3%A1zatok/food-quality-in-digital-age
Aquaphotomics, the innovative water-centred application of near-infrared spectroscopy in food science
Developing method for the rapid and efficient selection of probiotic bacterial strains and a deeper understanding of their mechanism of action. Understanding water structure changes during plant cell development, linking water structure as a biomarker to physiological processes using aquaphotomics.
The potential of an innovative method of near-infrared spectroscopy called Aquaphotomics to detect food adulteration
The project aims to develop rapid measurement methods based on near-infrared spectroscopy and aquaphotomics and electronic tongue measurement techniques for the detection of food adulteration and further development of some of the results for their practical application.
Detection of tomato concentrate adulteration by standard and rapid methods
The aim of our research is to develop methods to detect the presence and extent of food adulteration in tomato concentrates. Product-specific physical and chemical analyses are complemented by complex rheological, optical system, multisensor, near-infrared spectroscopic analyses, and aquaphotomics.
