Introduction

We have invented a handheld bacterial detection device that leverages smartphone technology and bacterial protein colorimetry for swift and cost-effective qualitative tests on food samples, enabling users to observe color changes and quantify bacterial concentrations through a dedicated smartphone app, facilitating the detection of BC and VP in a variety of food products.

In our pursuit of creating a revolutionary handheld bacterial detection device utilizing colorimetric detection, we understand that societal engagement and awareness are pivotal in ensuring the success and impact of our project. As such, we have conducted a series of integrated human practices research activities that shed light on the multifaceted aspects of food safety, user preferences, and expert perspectives.

Social Awareness Research: Public Awareness Survey on Food Poisoning

Food poisoning is a pressing issue globally, affecting the health and well-being of individuals and communities. In China, where a diverse range of culinary practices and food products are prevalent, understanding the dynamics of food poisoning is of utmost importance. To shed light on the public’s perceptions and concerns regarding food poisoning and food safety in the Chinese market, we conducted an investigation known as the “Public Awareness Survey on Food Poisoning”.

Our extensive questionnaire survey yielded significant insights into various facets of food safety. Firstly, it assessed the level of awareness among the public regarding common causes of food poisoning. Statistics showed that 68.83% of the respondents know food poisoning a bit, while 10.31% report it very well.

Figure 1 Question ‘Do you know what food poisoning is?’

Secondly, we gathered feedback from participants regarding their personal experiences with previous instances of food poisoning. This data allowed us to identify common patterns and sources contributing to such incidents. This information will serve as a foundation for targeted educational campaigns, emphasizing areas where consumers need more guidance for safe food consumption practices.

Figure 2 Question ‘Have you ever had food poisoning?’

In conclusion, our survey offered invaluable insights into the public’s concerns related to food poisoning, pinpointing key areas where further education is needed. Addressing these issues is essential to prevent future occurrences of foodborne illnesses and improve overall public health. Through our project, the integration of human practices research and the findings from the "Public Awareness Survey on Food Poisoning" enable us to develop a holistic approach that combines technological innovation with informed public awareness. This approach will not only enhance food safety but also empower individuals to make healthier food choices and reduce the incidence of food poisoning cases.

Social Demand Research: Public Survey on the Willingness to Use Handheld Bacterial Detection Device

Our project aims to address these concerns by providing a user-friendly and accessible solution for bacterial detection. The primary purpose of this integrated human practices research is twofold. Firstly, it seeks to estimate the potential market demand for our product, and secondly, it aims to understand the preferences and expectations of potential users regarding the device and its pricing.

In our quest to gather insights, we conducted a comprehensive questionnaire survey among a diverse group of respondents. We initiated the survey by collecting demographic information, including gender, age, occupation, and salary. This profiling helped us identify that a significant portion of our respondents were students, while others were public officials or enterprise employees, with most public officials earning a salary exceeding 5001 yuan.

Figure 3 occupation

Figure 4 salary

We then proceeded to delve into specific aspects of our product. We inquired about the ideal testing time, sale price, and preferred purchase channels for our device. Our findings indicated that a majority of respondents were willing to wait between 11-30 seconds to obtain test results, emphasizing the importance of a quick and efficient detection process.

Figure 5 Question ‘What is the maximum time you can accept our technology to detect bacteria’

Regarding pricing, respondents were most inclined to purchase a product priced between 30-60 yuan, highlighting the importance of affordability in ensuring widespread adoption. We also explored whether respondents were willing to carry a small test box, and the data indicated a strong preference among respondents for portable solutions.

Figure 6 Question ‘ If you need to carry a small test box with you, please ask if you are willing to use the hand-held bacteria detector proposed in this project’

Lastly, we queried respondents about their preferred purchase channels. The results revealed a strong inclination towards online purchasing, showcasing the convenience and accessibility of e-commerce platforms.

Figure 7 Question ‘How would you like to purchase it’

The insights gathered from this survey will not only help us estimate future market potential but also guide our product innovation efforts. In the future, our project will also need to shorten testing time and lower product prices to better meet the needs and expectations of the public. This social research is instrumental in bridging the gap between our technological innovation and the practical needs and preferences of the public, ultimately making our product more accessible and impactful.

Field trip:

Figure 8 field trip

Figure 9 interview

Figure 10 visit

Experts acknowledged that our product offers speed and convenience in bacterial detection. However, they highlighted the issue of accuracy, suggesting that technical improvements are required. We also inquired about the challenge of detecting multiple bacterial strains simultaneously. Experts proposed exploring alternative proteins, implementing pre-processing procedures like filtration and cell disruption, and conducting initial screenings. These adjustments, they suggested, may not significantly impact accuracy and could be practical solutions.

This collaborative interaction has been instrumental in shaping our product’s future direction and enhancing our understanding of the industry landscape. Based on the above reflection, our next-generation products will focus on three key enhancements.

Firstly, we will enhance the app’s content to provide customers with more comprehensive inspection reports.

Secondly, we are dedicated to advancing food testing technology. While China has made substantial progress in this field, the growing complexity of new additives, pesticides, and other ingredients demands cutting-edge, rapid, and accurate detection methods. Therefore, our future products will incorporate advanced detection technology, and we will continually update our equipment and facilities to meet evolving market needs.

Lastly, our upcoming products will prioritize compactness and portability. This will encourage more individuals to engage in pre-meal self-testing, helping them avoid purchasing products that exceed safety standards or have quality issues.

In summary, our next-generation products aim to establish a safer, healthier, more convenient, and practical food safety management system. Through scientific and technological advancements, we aspire to offer enhanced services and assurance to consumers.

Expert Interview 1：Professor Qin Zhen

As part of our integrated human practices research, we conducted an insightful online interview with Professor Qin Zhen, an expert in food enzymology and enzyme engineering at the School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University. The objectives of this interview were threefold:

· Gain an understanding of the gravity and consequences of food poisoning.

· Acquire insights into the current state and principles of food poisoning detection technology

· Collect valuable comments and suggestions from Professor Qin regarding our project, particularly in optimizing the experimental process.

Professor Qin emphasized the severe and irreversible consequences of bacterial food poisoning on human health. He also expressed his approval of our project, acknowledging its convenience and alignment with the mainstream trend of food safety testing. This endorsement reinforces the relevance and significance of our work in addressing real-world food safety challenges.

Figure 11 Expert interview

We probed the professor regarding potential technical challenges our project might face, particularly concerning color generation in the detection kit. Professor Qin raised a valid concern about the presence of interfering substances during simultaneous testing of different foods. For example, Bacillus cereus could coexist in various foods, making it difficult to discern which food is contaminated. This insight highlights a critical technical consideration for our project.

The interview with Professor Qin has been instrumental in guiding our experiment design and implementation. By incorporating his suggestions, we aim to optimize our project and simulate real-world applications of our products in laboratory settings.

Expert Interview 2：Professor Cui Xiaowen

To better enhance the quality and performance of our products, we conducted another interview with professor Cui. Professor Cui Xiaowen is an associate professor at the School of Food and Light Industry, Nanjing Tech University, and holds a Ph.D. from Kyushu University. During our discussion, the teacher provided valuable insights and recommendations:

Figure 12 Expert interview

· Attractive Publicity: our awareness and publicity efforts should be engaging and captivating to attract a wider audience. Making food safety education more interesting can help increase awareness and encourage people to use our product

· Future Market Prospects: The interview highlighted the extensive and far-reaching market potential for handheld bacterial detectors and related technologies. High accuracy and low cost make these technologies suitable for widespread adoption, not only in households but also in hospitals and various other fields. By optimizing the experimental process and improving product design, we can enhance detection accuracy and stability, further expanding the product's potential impact.

The insights and suggestions gathered during this interview have provided valuable guidance for our project. We are committed to addressing product deficiencies, enhancing functional performance, and continually optimizing the handheld bacterial detection device. Our ultimate aim is to contribute to public health by providing an effective tool for food safety inspection.

Pitch

To better set up promotion channels catering to our project, our team had the opportunity to present our project to Mr. Li Shi Yuan. Li Shiyuan is a Director of the Synthetic Biology Research Division at Cathy Fortune Capital Investment, a prominent company in the field of synthetic biology. He earned his Ph.D. from the Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology at the Chinese Academy of Sciences and has prior experience in research and development at leading domestic synthetic biology companies. During the presentation, Mr. Li provided valuable insights and recommendations on targeting potential consumers and exploring various marketing channels for our bacterial detector.

Figure 13 pitch presentation

· Segmentation of Target Audience: Li emphasized the importance of identifying a specific target audience most likely to purchase our product. It is recommended considering cognitive factors and targeting these individuals through e-commerce platforms.

· Utilizing Online Platforms: Leveraging online platforms like WeChat that tailor recommendations to users' characteristics was encouraged. It is also wise to explore partnerships or collaborations with platforms that specialize in promoting products of interest to consumers concerned about food safety.

· Specialized Channels: seeking out specialized channels or distributors that already sell similar products. This might include pharmacies or wholesale/retail channels.

Mr. Li Shi Yuan's insights have been instrumental in guiding our team’s approach to targeting potential consumers and effectively marketing our Handheld Bacterial Detector. His recommendations underscore the importance of a focused and well-informed marketing strategy that aligns with the preferences and needs of our target audience

Conclusion

Our integrated human practices research activities have fortified our project's foundations. By evaluating public awareness, demand, and expert perspectives, we've not only uncovered critical insights but also gained validation and guidance. The input gathered from these activities serves as a compass, directing our project towards greater success and real-world impact.

The path forward includes addressing product deficiencies, enhancing functional performance, and optimizing our handheld bacterial detection device. Our aim remains unwavering: to empower individuals to make safer food choices, reduce the incidence of food poisoning cases, and contribute significantly to public health. Through the integration of techn ological innovation and informed societal awareness, we endeavor to create a safer and healthier future for all.

Our primary customer groups are scientific research institutions, hospitals, and canteens. These entities are our main focus for providing our solution.

To implement our project in the real world, we will employ a targeted approach by segmenting our target audience. We will leverage online platforms and specialized channels for promotion. Key components of our promotional mix will include digital marketing, advertising, and public outreach, allowing us to reach our intended customers effectively.