University of Tehran Pioneers Smart Aflatoxin Screening System for Pistachio Exports

TEHRAN– The University of Tehran has successfully developed an intelligent system designed for the high-throughput screening and physical separation of pistachios suspected of aflatoxin contamination, marking a significant technological advancement in food safety.

According to the university's Public Relations Office, a technology unit based at the University of Tehran Science and Technology Park is behind this innovative development. The system simultaneously utilizes BGY fluorescence under ultraviolet (UV) light, high-speed imaging at 100 frames per second, and deep neural networks. This advanced configuration enables the detection of contaminated spots with a precision of 0.1 millimeters along the production line, with a pneumatic mechanism subsequently segregating the defective nuts from the main processing flow.

By integrating UV imaging, high-speed capture, and deep learning algorithms, the device identifies micro-scale defects in real time, thereby substantially mitigating the risk of contaminated produce entering the export supply chain.
While the technology is not intended to replace rigorous laboratory testing, it serves as a highly efficient tool for comprehensive, rapid screening. It plays a pivotal role in significantly reducing the export risks associated with contaminated shipments by ensuring 100 percent of the product line is scrutinized.

The seamless integration of mechanical design, electronics, control systems, and artificial intelligence throughout the development process has facilitated the customization of the equipment to meet specific client requirements and the varying conditions of real-world production lines. Furthermore, its remote monitoring and control capabilities minimize machine downtime and streamline industrial-scale operations.

The path to commercialization presented a key challenge: transforming a laboratory prototype into a robust, stable device capable of performing consistently in demanding industrial environments. The diversity and complexity of fluorescence and visual markers indicative of contamination required extensive data collection and close collaboration with established stakeholders in the pistachio industry. This effort, underpinned by the technical and infrastructural support of the University of Tehran Science and Technology Park, ultimately resulted in precise and highly reliable operational models.

The Science and Technology Park played a crucial role in this achievement by providing dedicated workspace, specialized consultancy services, and facilitating the developmental processes required to bring the concept to an industrial-grade product.

The system is currently ready for market entry, targeting both domestic and international export markets. Moreover, the development of analogous screening solutions for other agricultural commodities and food products is already under consideration.