SAFTRA Photonics – smart optical sensing for plant pest detection

Headquartered in Kosice, Slovakia, SAFTRA Photonics Ltd. is an award-winning high-tech SME specializing in advanced nanomaterials and optical sensor technologies. With a strong focus on applied research and innovation, it develops ultra-sensitive detection systems that transform complex scientific concepts into practical solutions for monitoring environmental and biological phenomena at the molecular level.

In the PurPest project, SAFTRA Photonics plays a key role in advancing the Sensor System Prototype (SSP) for early and accurate detection of plant pests. Using its proprietary nanoplasmonic biosensor platform, it is advancing highly selective optical sensors to identify volatile organic compounds (VOCs) linked to pest infestations.

Their patented technology enables real-time, label-free detection of biological and chemical markers with exceptional sensitivity, complementing other VOC detection methods within the SSP. This innovation translates VOC emissions from stressed plants into actionable signals, aiding timely interventions in agriculture and forestry.

SAFTRA Photonics contributes by validating sensor performance under controlled conditions and customizing the platform to project requirements. Their expertise in surface functionalization, signal processing, and sensor miniaturization is crucial for ensuring the SSP will be both field-ready and scalable. Collaborating closely with PurPest partners, it is helping to deliver a new generation of smart, user-friendly pest monitoring tools designed to address emerging threats to plant health across Europe.