EP4111190A1 - Product tracking and rating system using dna tags - Google Patents
Product tracking and rating system using dna tagsInfo
- Publication number
- EP4111190A1 EP4111190A1 EP20921226.5A EP20921226A EP4111190A1 EP 4111190 A1 EP4111190 A1 EP 4111190A1 EP 20921226 A EP20921226 A EP 20921226A EP 4111190 A1 EP4111190 A1 EP 4111190A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- dna
- location
- taggant
- product
- taggant set
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Pending
Links
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Classifications
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
- C12Q—MEASURING OR TESTING PROCESSES INVOLVING ENZYMES, NUCLEIC ACIDS OR MICROORGANISMS; COMPOSITIONS OR TEST PAPERS THEREFOR; PROCESSES OF PREPARING SUCH COMPOSITIONS; CONDITION-RESPONSIVE CONTROL IN MICROBIOLOGICAL OR ENZYMOLOGICAL PROCESSES
- C12Q1/00—Measuring or testing processes involving enzymes, nucleic acids or microorganisms; Compositions therefor; Processes of preparing such compositions
- C12Q1/68—Measuring or testing processes involving enzymes, nucleic acids or microorganisms; Compositions therefor; Processes of preparing such compositions involving nucleic acids
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N33/00—Investigating or analysing materials by specific methods not covered by groups G01N1/00 - G01N31/00
- G01N33/02—Food
Definitions
- the present disclosure generally relates to facilitating the tracking of a substance as it moves through a supply chain.
- the disclosure relates more particularly to apparatus and techniques for using DNA sequences for tracking a food material and identifying a food material by source after the food material has been aggregated with other, similar food materials.
- a sample is prepared and an analysis process is applied to the sample to cause any DNA in the sample to replicate many times, sufficient for other processes to identify that a particular DNA sequence was present in the sample. For example, if the sample is from a person, the DNA of the sample might be replicated and then the result tested for the presence or lack of presence of a DNA sequence that is unique to a particular person with some probability. In this manner, a sample might be matched to a person, within some probability.
- This analysis process is useful for determining whether a particular species is present in a food or agricultural application. For example, there might be a DNA sequence that is unique to a species of nuts and the analysis can replicate the DNA of a sample, including the endogenous DNA of the nuts, sufficient to determine whether or not the sample contained any of those nuts.
- a DNA sequence that is not endogenous to contents of the sample might be added.
- synthetic oligonucleotides can be added to a food product to allow that food product to be traced from a source where the oligonucleotides were added to the point where an analysis is done.
- the analysis i.e., sampling, replicating, analyzing, would then be able to determine whether or not the food product being tested came from that source. In either case, this requires considerable coordination, as an analysis system would have to be aware of all of the possible synthetic oligonucleotides that are being tested for. If there are, say, thousands of sources, the sampling and analysis for each of those thousand sources can be difficult.
- Zografos I describes how a set of independent DNA taggants might be used to tag a food product or other item with a bit pattern by having each DNA taggant in the set of independent DNA taggants represent a bit in the bit pattern.
- N or 2N unique identifiers can be used and discerned with only N or 2N sampling steps needed, while allowing for up to 2 N unique identifiers with those taggants.
- the presence of a particular DNA taggant set represents a “1” and the absence of that particular DNA taggant set represents a “0” (the case where of the N taggants, each is used or not used) or the presence of a second particular DNA taggant set represents a “0” (the case where, of 2N taggants, N are used).
- Each set of taggants of the DNA taggants in the taggant set is preferably such that they are biologically inert so as to not interfere with their consumption as part of a food product.
- Zografos II describes a dispensing system for DNA taggants.
- the system comprises a plurality of taggant vessels, each having a taggant corresponding to a position in a tag string.
- a computer controller converts the tag string into a selection of a taggants by using valves to allow or block the flow of taggants to a manifold output tube. From the output tube, a mix of the taggants flow to form a dispersant formed according to the tag string.
- a nozzle disperses the dispersant onto an object to be tagged, possibly atomized with air or mixed with a carrier fluid, such as ethanol.
- the taggant can comprise a DNA taggant comprising a static portion and a dynamic portion that is unique to each tag string position.
- a method tracks material in a supply chain by applying a DNA taggant set to a first batch of the material produced by a first supplier of the material.
- a DNA taggant set might comprise one or more DNA taggants selected from among a plurality of DNA taggants wherein an association is recorded between which DNA taggants are selected and particular values in particular positions in a tag string that the DNA taggant set is intended to represent.
- a tag string is a binary string that can be represented by N bits each having one of N positions in the tag string and the DNA taggant set that is associated with a particular tag string comprises an aggregation of DNA taggants selected from among a plurality of N DNA taggants, with a value of a given bit of the tag string represented by whether or not the aggregation includes the DNA taggant associated with that given bit.
- a DNA taggant might be a small DNA sequence that is genetically inactive, but identifiable and a DNA taggant set might comprise a plurality of selected DNA taggants that are aggregated but need not be combined such that all of the DNA taggants in the set form a single DNA chain and instead could be an aggregation of unconnected DNA snippets.
- the DNA taggant set can correspond to a tag string that is associated with the first supplier.
- a sample can be taken from batch of material and tested to determine a DNA taggant set used on that material, and in checking with prerecorded associations of DNA taggant selections and suppliers, the supplier of the sample can be easily identified.
- the DNA taggant set may be applied by applying, for example, by spraying, the DNA taggant of the taggant set onto the batch of the material with an applicator, such as, for example, a sprayer, that might be capable of applying multiple DNA taggant sets.
- the DNA taggants may be selected from many DNA taggants to determine the DNA taggant set.
- a second DNA taggant set may be selected and applied to a second batch.
- the sample After selecting a sample from an aggregated lot comprising the first batch and the second batch, the sample may be labeled with a grade and then placed in a receptacle corresponding to the grade, wherein the grade is represented by a previously recorded association with the batch. At a different location, the graded sample may be tested to determine the DNA taggant set.
- the DNA taggant set may comprise a taggant material including at least N unique DNA snippets used as taggants, representing N digits of a tag string that identifies the batch of the material, N being a positive integer greater than 1, wherein each of the at least N unique of DNA snippets represents one value of a corresponding one of the N digits of the tag string.
- the tag string could be recorded in a database, on paper, or using some formula, or using other methods, so as to associate a tag string with other information, such as a particular supplier.
- the DNA snippets applied to the item may be detected to derive a bar code that is compared to a predetermined bar code to identify the first batch.
- the DNA bar code may include at least N unique specific target fragments of synthetic DNA, wherein each of the at least N unique specific target fragments of synthetic DNA corresponds to a binary value of zero or a binary value of one.
- a tag string comprises N characters, where N is greater than one, each character having a position and having one of M values, allowing for up to N M distinct tag strings and a DNA taggant set associated with a specific tag string comprises a selection of DNA taggants selected by selecting, for each of the N characters, a DNA snippet associated with the value of that character.
- the DNA snippets are selected from among N*M available snippets, but might also be selected from among N*(M-1) snippets in cases where one of the M values for a character is represented by an absence of any of the other DNA taggants associated with the other M-l possible values for that character.
- associations indicating which DNA snippet sequence corresponds to which character position in a tag string and which character value at that position might be stored in a database that is publicly available or not publicly available.
- Associations indicating which suppliers are associated with which tag strings might be stored in a database that is publicly available or not publicly available.
- associations might be algorithmically defined.
- a tag string is usable as a blockchain address and in that manner identifies a supplier that is using the DNA taggant set that corresponds to that tag string.
- FIG. l is a flowchart illustrating a method of tagging a product to indicate the producer of the product.
- FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary application device.
- FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method of tagging in plantation operations to indicate the producer of the product.
- FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method of tagging in the reception stage of mill operations to indicate the producer of the product.
- FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method of tagging in the milling portion of mill operations to indicate the producer of the product.
- FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method of tagging in refinery operations to indicate the producer of the product.
- FIG. 7 depicts exemplary operational flowcharts for product traceability.
- FIG. 7A depicts an operational flow chart for first mile traceability.
- FIG. 7B depicts an operational flow chart for second mile traceability.
- FIG. 8 depicts results from accelerated stability tests, showing the stability index for the DNA barcodes in crude palm oil (CPO) and refined palm oil (RPO), with the method used in the exemplary process described herein.
- FIG. 9 depicts results from palm oil purity assurance tests, showing that the method used in the exemplary process described herein detects adulteration levels in the 30-40% range with 95% confidence.
- FIG. 10 is a block diagram that illustrates a computer system upon which an embodiment of the invention may be implemented.
- Techniques described and suggested herein include methods and apparatus to apply DNA taggants to batches of material from different producers before the batches are transported to a processing facility, allowing the processing facility to verify the producer of a particular unit of the material to be identified.
- the techniques, methods, and apparatus described and suggested herein are applicable to products in general, and particularly to agricultural products.
- Palm oil, palm kernel oil, and derivatives flow through vast supply chains that produce such everyday items as processed food (72%), cosmetics, household/cleaning, and personal care products (18%), and as feedstock and biofuel additives (10%) for many prominent brands. Palm oil and its derivatives are present in major brands, with current global consumption for all products at circa 8 kg per capita. In 2018, production grew to 77 million tonnes, and growth is projected at 1.7% per year until 2050. [0030] Unfortunately, there is a history of environmental and labor abuse in the palm oil supply chain. Further, palm oil production raises global environmental concerns.
- Satellite imaging helps verify that these sustainability goals are being met. Soon, palm growers may need to demonstrate a deeper commitment to sustainability goals, and an innovative system that includes satellite imaging, geo-location of the harvest site, and on- product DNA barcodes can provide that assurance.
- RSPO is the primary organization that sets criteria for sustainability certification for the global palm oil industry. While parallel certifying bodies focus on specific issues or offer specialized services, RSPO continues to be the internationally recognized label for sustainability assurance. Criteria include upholding requirements for ensuring ecosystem protection, incorporating buffer zones for wildlife, safeguarding worker safety and health, and implementing best practices to increase yield while reducing the use of pesticides and herbicides.
- Gaps in assurance can include the following:
- Geo-location and time stamping The location and time of harvest are digitally associated with the unique DNA barcode that is applied to product at the harvest site.
- Satellite imaging - Satellite images of the geo-located harvest site are monitored in near real-time to ensure that the harvest location is within a certified sourcing region and/or not in newly deforested areas.
- DNA barcodes can be dispensed at the mill and distributed to harvesting crews. DNA barcodes applied at the harvest site at the plantation-level directly link to geolocation and time stamp data that is uploaded at the site via mobile phone. Products can be sampled and tested at the mill by quality assurance staff; results can be available within 15 minutes and automatically can enter the digital record. Unique DNA barcodes can be added at multiple strategic process nodes to track solid or liquid product. DNA barcodes are invisible and cannot be removed or adulterated because they are applied directly on the product. DNA barcodes have no effect on food flavor, shelf life, or odor. They are Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the United States Food and Drug Administration and are under review for use in the EU, where approval is expected in 2020.
- GRAS Recognized As Safe
- the present invention allows for: a) physical item-level tagging, which may include one or more geo-tags and time stamps; b) satellite monitoring of sourcing origins; c) digital data recording, secured via blockchain; and d) certification of suppliers and processes by third parties.
- a harvest crew may apply one or more unique DNA barcodes (taggants) to a product, such as palm fruit.
- the application can be achieved, for example, via an injector or sprayer linked to a smartphone.
- Each DNA barcode (taggant) application may create a data event that is recorded, timestamped, and notarized in a blockchain.
- a quality assurance manager may conduct a detection test of a product, such as the tagged palm fruit, to confirm positive identification of DNA barcodes (taggants).
- the detection test results can be recorded, timestamped, and notarized in a blockchain and verified against other critical tracking data. This process can allow for highly accurate detection during first mile transit from the plantation to the mill.
- This new leading-edge technology-enabled model for source assurance and brand protection has the ability to provide source assurance and brand protection, via unparalleled traceability for palm oil industry stakeholders all along the supply chain.
- key elements particular to palm oil have already been proven in field testing and laboratory validation studies.
- the Applicant has also provided similar traceability solutions to growers and producers in other agricultural sectors, unrelated to palm oil.
- this system has the potential to be comprehensive and scalable, and can accommodate global supply chains using Internet of Things (IoT) capability, as illustrated and in the exemplary processes and methods described herein.
- IoT Internet of Things
- the “next level” is the path forward. Efficient, versatile, and ubiquitous, palm oil has become an established staple in the supply chains of many major global brands. This tremendous success has come at a cost to the environment that includes an outsized carbon footprint due to rapid deforestation coupled with slash and burn clearing methods. The call for sustainably and ethically sourced palm oil is rapidly getting louder, particularly with the effects of climate change occurring more frequently than scientists predicted just a few years ago.
- the larger vision for a more sustainable future includes support at every level:
- the piles of fruit or other product may be sprayed or otherwise marked with DNA taggants prior to collection or loading onto a truck.
- Each lot from each producer may receive a different DNA taggant set corresponding to a different tag string, associating individual lots with individual producers, or even identifying individual lots produced by the same producer.
- the DNA taggant may be applied directly to food and agricultural materials.
- the DNA taggant set may be mixed into a liquid carrier, allowing the DNA taggant set to be applied with an inexpensive spray bottle.
- the taggant may also be injected directly into an agricultural product, such as into the bunch stem or fruit or applied with a dropper.
- the taggants may be combined with a colorant to ensure uniform coverage of the product or to allow visual confirmation that the product was tagged.
- a product such as, a fruit, pods, or leaves
- the taggant may be sprayed on or otherwise applied to the stem.
- the smaller lots may be collected together (e.g., loaded on the same truck) and transported to a central collection and processing facility.
- inspectors may grade or sort the agricultural product or fruit. For example, inspectors may place a sample, such as one fruit or a small piece of product into a bin, cup, or other receptacle, which indicates acceptable or unacceptable.
- the branch or stem may be placed into the bin, cup, or other receptacle.
- the receptacle may be sealed and transported to a processing lab for analysis of the DNA taggant set to determine a tag string that indicates the producer of the product.
- Producers may then be given feedback on whether their product is acceptable.
- there may be more grades than acceptable and unacceptable e.g., unacceptable, poor, good, excellent, or grading on a scale). Multiple grades would allow more fine-grained feedback to the producers. Producers with consistently high quality product may be rewarded. Those with consistently low quality or unacceptable product may be asked to improve.
- a DNA taggant set may be applied to a small lot of product by spraying the DNA taggant set on the product, immersing the product, or otherwise applying the DNA taggant set to the product with an application device.
- the DNA taggant may also be applied to a stem, branch, root, husk, or other discarded attachment of the product rather than to the processed part of the product.
- the small lot of product may be combined with other small lots to form a larger aggregated batch of product, large enough to be transported and processed efficiently.
- the grading may be binary (e.g., acceptable or unacceptable) or may be more fine grained (e.g., unacceptable, poor, good, excellent, or grading on a scale).
- the grading may be done by attaching a grading label to a sample (e.g., adhesively or mechanically), by placing the sample in a labelled receptacle, or by marking the sample (e.g., with ink or paint).
- the attachment may be labeled, placed in the receptacle, or marked.
- the graded sample or attachment may be analyzed to determine the DNA taggant set, which in turn correlates to the tag string, which in turn correlates to the producer or lot, allowing the grade label from the label, receptacle, or mark to be associated with the producer or lot.
- a conventional sprayer might be used as an application device, for spraying DNA taggants that are in a fluid suspension.
- Each grower might operate their own application device. That application device might be configured to vary the DNA taggant combination that is used over time, thus generating a unique DNA taggant combination code for each lot.
- the grower preferably ensures that the sprayer or other application device is thoroughly cleaned between applications to prevent cross contamination of one set of DNA taggants with another set.
- the same DNA taggant combination may be used for a larger lot or to identify producers, and the DNA taggant combination may be changed infrequently (e.g., a few times a day).
- the taggant combination may be distributed from a premixed taggant combination or may be mixed in a sprayer’s manifold to produce the required taggant combination.
- a quality assurance representative from a processing facility may provide a particular DNA taggant having a specified DNA bar code to a harvester in an application device, such as, for example, a sprayer.
- the quantity of the taggant may be measured to match the expected amount of agricultural product or fruit the harvester will harvest.
- the mill may also provide an application device (e.g., a sprayer or injector) or combination of devices to apply the taggant.
- the application device may have an internet or satellite connection that records the location and time of application of the taggant. It may additionally or alternatively have a local storage device, such as a hard drive. It may log the location and time locally or may send the location and time to a server to record the location and time.
- the application device may be a sprayer having a cellular data connection and GPS unit, allowing the sprayer to log its GPS coordinates whenever the sprayer is triggered.
- an applicator such as, for example, a sprayer
- a sprayer may have a Bluetooth connection to a cellular phone and may prevent application of taggant without confirming the device’s location or connectivity.
- the device may either access or have stored within device geographic coordinates within which it is expected to operate and may shutdown when outside of those coordinates, preventing the applicator, such as, for example, the sprayer from tagging the agricultural product or fruit outside of the plantation it is meant for.
- the applicator such as, for example, the sprayer might also record GPS coordinates, timestamps, and other data about the application of the taggant. When a lot is returned to the mill then all the information about when and where each bunch was tagged is validated before the lot is accepted. For example, if the applicator, such as, for example, the sprayer was actuated more than would be expected given the harvest size, this overuse of taggant may trigger an error or flag that causes further investigation.
- the sprayer or other application device might only dispense enough taggant in each spray for labeling a certain size lot, allowing the processor to perform a rough mass balance by counting the number of lots received.
- the applicator such as, for example, the sprayer might only work within certain times and may have an expected range of actuations. Exceeding the time or number of actuations may cause the applicator, such as, for example, the sprayer to cause an error message or stop working.
- the processor receiving the lots might perform a mass balance by counting the number of lots received and verifying the number of lots that were labeled with the application device.
- the time stamps, locations, and number of the applications of the taggant, plus the verification of the taggant at the processing facility, allow the processor to verify that the lots received at the processor facility is agricultural product or fruit that was harvested when and where the harvester claims it was harvested.
- the number of lots received allows the processor to perform a mass balance by comparing the number of lots received to the number of lots that had taggant applied, according to the logs from the application device.
- the amount of taggant issued to the harvesting crew may be sufficient only for labeling the expected amount to be harvested, limiting the possibility that agricultural product or fruit from other plantations is transported to the approved plantation and added to the agricultural product or fruit lots that are from the approved plantation.
- a number of actuations of the applicator such as, for example, the sprayer may be expected given a certain harvest size, calculated from field size, and an actual number of actuations above an expected number of actuations may cause an error condition.
- the mill may have information about the number of acres the harvester will cover, and the number of plants for a specific crop may be reasonably fixed. If a harvesting crew is assigned to a particular parcel, the number of expected fresh fruit bunches may be estimated fairly accurately. In the case of palm fruit, the number of plants per acre is reasonably fixed, and the yield of the palms is fairly constant, with harvesting occurring on a predictable schedule. When the harvester goes to a particular parcel, the expected harvest is capable of estimation.
- the supply chain may have points at which mass of the product is determined and the source identified, so that a mass balance can be performed. If the dispenser has enough for N bunches and once a lot is delivered and the packing list is read, the two are reconciled (the actual lot and the amount the dispenser says is marked).
- DNA taggants correspond to encoded information that can be applied to objects, including food items, in a manner that allows for later reading of this encoded information from the objects.
- the DNA taggants are unique, each taggant represents a bit position and the pattern of presence or absence of one of the DNA taggants corresponds to a bit value of 1 or 0 and the pattern of DNA taggants that are present or absent forms a binary number representing the encoded information.
- the presence of a first DNA taggant is used to signal a value of “1” of the encoded information and the presence of a second DNA taggant is used to signal a value of “0” of the encoded information.
- the apparatus that adds the DNA taggants to the objects can be configured such that the encoded information can change from object to object and not cross-contaminate objects with DNA taggants that are for one object but not another.
- a DNA taggant is a material that includes an oligonucleotide and possibly other material.
- each DNA taggant comprises a static part and an identifier part, wherein all of the DNA taggants have the same static part and thus it can be used to differentiate between the set of DNA taggants in use and other DNA that might be present in a sample.
- the presence of a DNA taggant can be done even when there are very low concentrations of the DNA taggant in or on the object.
- the sample and/or the dispersant thereon is sampled, detected, error-corrected as needed, etc. to determine the tag string that was applied to the object.
- a tag string has an associated DNA taggant set (sometimes called a “DNA bar code”), which is a selection of particular DNA taggants used, or to be used, on an object to “label” that object with the tag string.
- the object might be an item being sold, bulk material, packaging, or other physical object or item where labeling according to the tag string is useful.
- applying the tag string could be done instead.
- the tag string comprises binary values each having a bit position in the string, such as “01101001 10101001 10100111 10010101” which has a “0” in the first bit position, “1” in the second and third bit positions, and “1” in the 32nd bit position.
- the bits may ordered from most to least significant or vice versa.
- a specific DNA taggant is associated with each bit position of the tag string and labeling an object might comprise determining which bit positions of the tag string are “1,” determining which DNA taggants go with those bit positions, and applying those DNA taggants (referred to herein as a “taggant set”) to the object, and not applying the DNA taggants that go with the bit positions of the tag string that have “0” values.
- pairs of DNA taggants might be used, wherein the presence of one taggant indicates a “1” in a position and the presence of the other indicates a “0” in that position. Though this approach uses twice as many taggants for the same number of bits of information, it provides error checking. Other approaches used error checking codes are possible.
- the tag string could represent different information. For example, in a particular industry or application, some of the bit positions might correspond to the company name, others to a serial number, others to a production date or location, etc.
- a tag detecting system can decode the taggant set and from there determine the tag string that was applied to the object.
- all or part of the tag string is an index value that points to a record in an external database that provides data about that particular record.
- the tag string assigned to an object might be entirely arbitrary and an external database of object information would be used to get data about the object rather than decoding any data about the object from the bit pattern itself.
- each lot has applied to it a specific tag string and a first lot receives a first taggant set corresponding to a first tag string and then a second lot receives a second taggant set corresponding to a second tag string different than the first lot.
- the first lot might be multiple items, such as a plurality of melons, or the first lot might be a single item, such as a bag of coffee beans.
- the distribution system might be integrated in with an automated bag filling line. In such a line, a new bag is positioned in the system and is clamped to the filling line chute to receive product.
- the distribution system initially dispenses plain carrier (no taggants) in the “dead volume” (the volume of the piping beyond actuating valves). Then when the empty bag is in place, or after the bag is filled, but before it is declamped and stitched closed, the distribution system actuates certain valves of the distribution system to push out the plain carrier and then push out specific taggants based on that bag’s designated tag string. It may be that delivery is timed so that the plain carrier residing in the dead volume is delivered during clamping to the bottom of the empty bag and the taggants are delivered as the product is filling the bag.
- the taggant valves may be de-energized before the bag is full while the plain carrier valve remains energized, so that at the completion of the bag filing cycle, the dead volume has been filled by plain carrier, at which point the plain carrier valve is de-energized.
- the cycle repeats with a new taggant combination for the second bag and so on with the plain carrier effectively flushing the lines so that only the desired taggants appear for a given lot.
- the carrier/taggants might be applied by immersion.
- the carrier can be liquid or solid or in between, as might be the taggants.
- the taggants might be naked DNA or DNA included in a matrix, such as a camauba wax coating, as is often used for various types of fresh fruit, or if the carrier is a volatile liquid such as ethanol, water, etc., the taggant remains in direct contact with the product. Studies have shown that its stability is limited and generally shorter than the product shelf life relative to being included in some persistent matrix.
- the taggant In a solid form such as a powder, the taggant might have been previously encapsulated in a solid carrier (such as maltodextrin, gelatin, etc.), which can provide superior stability that is usually in excess of one or two years.
- a solid carrier such as maltodextrin, gelatin, etc.
- the solid form is a convenient form for application of taggants to dry and granular products such as flour, sugar, etc.
- Taggants encapsulated in solid matrixes can also be used in processed foods and liquids (e.g., juices, oils, etc.) preferably encapsulated in a solid matrix that does not dissolve in the product, as that would release the DNA of the taggant and may limit its stability.
- taggants in solid form might be preferred due to stability considerations.
- liquid carriers might be preferred as powder can be very difficult to manage at those speeds and prone to cross contamination.
- a cost effective method to apply a taggant in solid form is as very fine powder, which increases the number of taggant particles per volume of product. This increases the probability that the taggant will be recovered from a small sample of product when the product is tested for the presence of the taggants.
- fine particles when fine particles are used, they may remain airborne for minutes or even hours, possibly migrating to lots where they were not intended to be applied, which would cause identification errors when taggant reading is done on a sample of the product.
- Loose particles also might cause cross-lot contamination at the point of testing as the product is taken out of a bag. In these situations, application of the taggants in a liquid form would simplify the application process but might result in diminished stability.
- the taggant is encapsulated in powder granules that are suspended in a liquid in which the granules do not dissolve.
- encapsulating carriers include gelatins, agarose gel, carrageenan powder, etc. and the liquid carrier might be ethanol.
- ethyl cellulose powder as the encapsulating carrier and water as the liquid carrier.
- the distribution system can then spray a product or immerse the product, thus improving uniform application and reducing the potential for loose powder and resulting cross contamination.
- the amount of liquid carrier required is usually very small (in one example, less than 50mL per 50 kg bag).
- the liquid carrier either evaporates or is absorbed by the product leaving the taggant as an encapsulated powder in the sealed bag.
- gels promotes adhesion of the powders to the product, reducing the risk of contamination due to loose powder when the bag is opened.
- Other adhesives may be added to the liquid to promote adhesion. For example, applying ethyl cellulose powder suspended in a 0.5% agar-agar solution will create a film containing ethyl cellulose DNA tagged powder on the surface of the product.
- a dispensing system might include tanks or vessels that contain one of the DNA taggants (or taggants in encapsulating carriers) in suspension, powder, or other forms such as emulsions, liposomes in liquid, or coacervations (a type of electrostatically-driven liquid-liquid phase separation, such as spherical aggregates of colloidal droplets held together by hydrophobic force measuring from 1 to 100 micrometers across or some other diameter, while their soluble precursors are typically on the order of less than 200 nm or some other distance).
- a computer control system might control the dispensing of specific patterns of the DNA taggants.
- the taggant vessels have a finite volume and so DNA taggant gets consumed. By careful selection of which patterns are used, the consumption can be controlled so that the taggant vessels do not need to be filled at inconvenient times.
- the dispensing system might be required to deliver distinct taggant sets (thus marking distinct objects or lots with different tag strings) at very high speed, as many as 20-25 per minute or more.
- a computer processor determines what tag string is to be applied and then sends electrical signals and commands to various modules, ultimately resulting in the desired taggant set being added or applied to the object being marked. It may be that each object marked gets a different taggant set, so the dispensing system would carefully control the distribution of taggants so that the taggants of the taggant set applied to a current object do not get used during application of a next object (unless those are taggants that are part of the taggant set for both the current object and the next object).
- the techniques described herein are implemented by one or generalized computing systems programmed to perform the techniques pursuant to program instructions in firmware, memory, other storage, or a combination.
- Special-purpose computing devices may be used, such as desktop computer systems, portable computer systems, handheld devices, networking devices or any other device that incorporates hard-wired and/or program logic to implement the techniques.
- FIG. l is a flowchart illustrating a method of tagging a product to indicate the producer of the product.
- the process begins with a mill quality assurance representative estimating the required taggant set (step 101) for the harvest. This may be based on the size of the parcel the harvester will cover, the density of the plants in the parcel, and the expected yield per plant.
- the mill may fill a applicator, such as, for example, a sprayer with the estimated amount of taggant and issue the applicator, e.g. sprayer (step 102) to a harvest crew. As the harvest crew collects the fresh fruit bunches, the crew may apply the taggant set to a product from a producer (step 103).
- a taggant set is a collection or aggregation of independent DNA taggants used to tag a product such as a food product or other item.
- the taggant set might be aggregated from individual vials or containers that supply specific individual DNA taggants and the aggregate of the set does not require that the individual DNA taggants be joined.
- the taggant set can be created with much simpler equipment, such as using simple conduits from tanks as opposed to DNA- joining equipment.
- the product might be aggregated with other product of a similar type (step 104).
- the products might be palm oil fruit, bananas, or other agricultural product and the aggregate might be those agricultural products from different farms, where each farm has tagged their respective product with a taggant set that is designated for that farm.
- the product At a processing center or other location, the product might be sampled (step 105) and graded. Once sampled/graded, a processor or inspector might determine the taggant set (step 106) of a particular product, perhaps by obtaining a set of sample DNA taggants detected from the product. The processor or inspector might then use a computer system or records system to associate and determine the farmer or producer that was designated that taggant set (step 107).
- the processor or inspector can associate a product grade with a farmer or producer (step 108). This processing and association can occur at various places in the supply chain, as the taggant set might be expected to persist as the product travels and even after certain processing steps.
- FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of an exemplary application device, in this case a sprayer having a nozzle 201 connected to a tank 203 by a tube (such as a pipe or plastic tubing) 202.
- the nozzle 201 is electrically connected to CPU 204, allowing the CPU to record actuations of the nozzle in storage 206.
- the CPU may be connected to a GPS unit 207, allowing the CPU to also record the location of actuation in storage 206.
- the CPU may also be connected to a clock 208 to allow the CPU to record the date and time of actuation.
- a battery 205 may be electrically connected to the CPU 204 to provide power to the CPU.
- FIGS. 3-6 show further details of this process as an exemplary fruit, palm fruit, is harvested at a plantation (FIG. 3), received at a mill (FIG. 4), processed at the mill (FIG. 5), and processed at a refinery (FIG. 5). Though the process is shown with respect to palm fruit, it may apply equally to other fruits or agricultural products.
- the four rows in FIG. 3 show different elements of harvesting operations: a row for data operations (row 301), a row for tagging operations (row 302), a row for supply chain operations (row 303), and a row for certification operations (row 304).
- the mill quality assurance representative creates the taggants (referred to there as “SafeTracers” taggants) via a process similar to bubble jet printing. In some embodiments, this is done using a miniDART(tm) system provided by SafeTraces, Inc.
- the miniDART(tm) system may apply one or more taggants directly on a product, such as an agricultural product, fresh produce, or a dry or liquid commodity, at item- level, enabling rapid tracing to the product source.
- the taggants contain a unique tag assigned to the harvest crews and issued to harvest crew supervisors. This allows the mill that will receive the agricultural product or fruit to verify the origin of the agricultural product or fruit and create a chain of trust from the mill back to the plantation.
- the unique tag assigned to the harvest crew may be entered into a blockchain 310 or other database (step 340).
- the issuing of the taggant may be part of a certification body or point, such as, for the example of palm oil, a roundtable on sustainable palm oil (RSPO) certification point, labeled in row 304, in certification step 330.
- RSPO sustainable palm oil
- the harvest crew supervisor issues the taggants to harvest crews (step 307). This may include issuing both the taggants and tagging kits for applying (e.g., spraying or mixing with) the taggant to the fruit.
- the taggants and kits may be issued when the harvest crews report for their shifts (step 320).
- This may also be a certification body or point, such as, for the example of palm oil, an RSPO certification point, shown in row 304, certification step 332.
- This information may also be stored in the blockchain 310 or other database, shown as step 342.
- the harvest crew harvests the fruit and may, immediately after harvesting the fruit, tag the fruit with the taggant and log the harvest (step 308).
- the harvest crew may also label the fruit with conventional labels, such as by applying labels to containers or bundles of the fruit or by applying labels directly to the fruit.
- the taggant logging may be done with a GPS and internet enabled device such as a smart phone, and this information may be uploaded immediately to the blockchain 310, shown in step 344, or may be stored and uploaded later.
- a satellite system may also be used, for example a satellite phone or other geo-locating system, which allows proof of a devices location to be provided. This information may be combined with satellite or other imagery data 350 to provide a further check on the accuracy of the data.
- the data may be entered into the blockchain 310 or other database.
- the crews may tag the fruit before, during, or after aggregating the fresh fruit bunches (FFBs) into lots (step 322). In one embodiment, smaller bunches of fruit may be tagged prior to consolidation into lots to facilitate applying taggant to each bunch.
- the tagging step may also be a certification body or point, such as, for the example of palm oil, an RSPO certification point (certification step 334).
- the harvest crew supervisor may count the lot sizes, optically grade the fruit, and print packing lists (step 324).
- the harvest crews may then load the fruit lots into a truck and provide the driver with the paper packing lists (step 326).
- the truck may aggregate fresh fruit bunches across multiple crews and even across plantations until the truck is full (step 328).
- the individual lots will be labelled both with conventional labels and taggants.
- FIG. 4 illustrates the process when the fresh fruit bundles arrive at a mill.
- the four row correspond, from top to bottom, to data operations 301, tagging operations 302, supply chain operations 303, and certification operations 304.
- step 410 the truck full of the fresh fruit bundles arrives at the mill and is weighed. The driver submits the packing lists and the truck is unloaded at a loading dock. The packing list and scale ticket may be logged in the block chain, as shown at step 440. This may be a certification body or point, such as, for the example of palm oil, an RSPO certification point, shown by certification point 430.
- the mill grades the fresh fruit bundles.
- the mill may collect samples from the fresh fruit bundles for testing via barcode detection methods / instrumentation, such as, for example, via polymerase chain reaction (PCR), at step 402. This may be done per some sampling methodology (e.g., check every tenth bundle, check random bundles, check every bundle, etc.). This step may also be a certification body or point, such as, for the example of palm oil, an RSPO certification point, shown by certification point 432.
- mill quality assurance conducts product quality tests (step 414) and performs the barcode testing, such as, for example, PCR testing (step 404) on the taggants (referred to as “SafeTracers” taggants in the figure).
- the outcome of the barcade test such as, for example, the PCR test is logged (step 442) in the blockchain 310 or database and may also be a certification body or point, such as, for the example of palm oil, an RSPO certification point 434.
- the fruit passes the product quality tests (step 416) and the barcade tests, such as, for example, the PCR tests confirm the taggants match those expected based on the origin of the fruit (step 406), the certified fresh fruit bundles may enter mill processing at step 418.
- Completion of quality tests and PCR confirmation of origin may be a certification body or point, such as, for the example of palm oil, an RSPO certification point 436.
- the plantation that provided the fruit may be proven to be in compliance by the barcade test, such as, for example, the PCR test results that match the taggants.
- the taggants might be the DNA snippets applied by a miniDART(tm) system.
- the data entered into the blockchain or database with the taggants may also represent a record of the phone tagging and satellite location results, verifying that the fresh fruit bundles were harvested in the geographic region of the correct plantation.
- the data 444 in the blockchain or other database provides a log of certification.
- the packing lists and weights of the truck can be used to record a mass balance of fruit entering the mill.
- FIG. 5 illustrates operations at a mill once the fresh fruit bundles have been graded and verified via barcade testing, such as, for example, PCR testing of the taggants.
- the four rows correspond, from top to bottom, to data operations 301, tagging operations 302, supply chain operations 303, and certification operations 304.
- the refinery quality assurance representative prints taggants (referred to there as “SafeTracers” taggants), possibly using a miniDART(tm) machine to create the taggants.
- This may be a certification body or point, such as, for the example of palm oil, an RSPO certification point 530.
- the taggants are assigned to the mill by the refinery, creating a chain of trust from the refinery to the mill. Since the mill has a chain of trust to the plantation, possibly stored in blockchain 310, the refinery can trace the origins of its product back to specific plantations.
- the refinery quality assurance representative may print the taggants using a miniDART(tm) or other taggant issuing machine and assign the taggants to the mill. This data event may be entered into the blockchain 310 or database at step 540.
- taggant applied to the outgoing product may be linked to the lots or bunches that were received the same day, creating a link between the outgoing product and the plantations whose fruit was processed that day.
- Tagging the product as it exits the mill may be a certification requirement, such as, for the example of palm oil, an RSPO certification requirement 532.
- the mill supervisor assigns the taggants and tagging kits to the mill operators at step 504.
- the taggant kits may be applicators, e.g. sprayers, or may be droppers or bottles adapted to mix the taggant with a fluid.
- the mill operators may receive the taggants and kits when they report for a shift (step 510) or when a new shipment of fruit is received.
- This may also be a data event 542, which may or may not be logged in the blockchain 310 or other database.
- a data event 542 which may or may not be logged in the blockchain 310 or other database.
- CPO crude palm oil
- CPKO crude palm kernel oil
- the batches may have the taggant mixed with them or otherwise applied to them, as well as conventional labelling of tanks.
- This event may be a data event 544 that is entered into the blockchain 310 or other database as well as a certification point, such as, for the example of palm oil, an RSPO certification point 534.
- a mill QA representative may sample (step 508) the tagged CPO/CPKO lots and conduct initial (day 0) barcade tests, such as, for example, PCR tests, and then the lot may be shipped to a refinery, without being mixed with other lots. This may information may be entered into the blockchain 310 or other database at data entry step 546.
- the mill may remove a sample and ship the sample to the refinery in a tamper-proof container.
- the refinery may then analyze the taggant, including the taggant concentration, in both the sample and the shipping tank, comparing the taggants and concentration. Lower taggant concentration in the shipping tank would indicate that the shipment had had unapproved liquid added to it or been adulterated in some way.
- the mill operator may also manage (step 512) the tagged CPO/CPKO in oil storage tanks, for example if the mill maintains custody of the CPO/CPKO lots for a period of time before shipping to a refinery.
- the mill operator may transfer (step 513) CPO/CPKO from an oil storage tank to a larger oil storage vessel.
- the vessel may aggregate (step 514) CPO/CPKO lots across plantations until full, and the mill may issue a bill of lading (BoL) or packing list, that may be a data event (step 548) entered into the blockchain or other database.
- Bill of lading Bill of lading
- packing list that may be a data event (step 548) entered into the blockchain or other database.
- the mixed result will have DNA snippets from each of the taggants of the smaller portions. If the DNA snippet set used was the same in both small portions, but with different selections of DNA snippets to represent different bar codes being applied to each smaller portion, it may be that the barcoding is not recoverable from the mixed result, as the taggant of the mixed result would be a bitwise-OR of the bar codes of the two smaller portions.
- FIG. 6 illustrates refinery operations. As before, the four rows correspond, from top to bottom, to data operations 301, tagging operations 302, supply chain operations 303, and certification operations 304.
- the refinery receives a vessel (e.g., combining multiple lots) from the mill (step 610)
- the mill will also provide a packing list, and possible customs documents, to the refinery.
- This data may be entered in the blockchain or other database at step 640.
- the refinery will unload the CPO/CPKO, which may be certification step, such as, for the example of palm oil, an RSPO certification step 630.
- a grader for the refinery will grade the CPO/CPKO, which may be a certification step, such as, for the example of palm oil, an RSPO certification step 632.
- the refinery QA representative will conduct product quality tests, which may also be a certification step, such as, for the example of palm oil, an RSPO certification step 634.
- the refinery QA representative approves the CPO/CPKO based on product quality tests at step 616
- the certified CPO/CPKO may be entered into the refinery for processing at step 618.
- the refinery QA representative may then conduct barcade testing, such as, for example, PCR testing and adulteration tests, entering the results (step 642) into the database or blockchain 310.
- barcade testing such as, for example, PCR testing and adulteration tests
- This may also be a certification point, such as, for the example of palm oil, an RSPO certification point 634.
- the CPO/CPKO may be approved (step 606) for refining, and the certified CPO/CPKO entered into the refinery.
- the barcade test results such as, for example, the test results may be used to match the taggant that was provided to the mill by the refinery, ensuring that the product was provided by the mill.
- the adulteration (e.g., concentration) tests may be matched between the mill (origin) and refinery (destination).
- the mass balance results, such as the RSPO results may be reconciled between the CPO/CPKO that left the mill and the CPO/CPKO that entered the refinery, providing a further certification point, such as, for the example of palm oil, RSPO certification point 636.
- Data 644 to verify mill compliance will have been logged in the blockchain 310 or database, including barcade test results, such as, for example, PCR test results that match with the taggants printed at the mill (possibly by a miniDART(tm) system provided by SafeTraces, Inc.), adulteration test results matching the concentration of from the mill, and mass balance results, such as RSPO results that reconcile between CPO/CPKO out of the mill and the CPO/CPKO into the refinery.
- barcade test results such as, for example, PCR test results that match with the taggants printed at the mill (possibly by a miniDART(tm) system provided by SafeTraces, Inc.), adulteration test results matching the concentration of from the mill, and mass balance results, such as RSPO results that reconcile between CPO/CPKO out of the mill and the CPO/CPKO into the refinery.
- Source assurance in liquids The stability of DNA barcodes in palm oil for the expected shelf life of the product; targets included 6 months for crude palm oil (CPO) and 12 months for refined palm oil (RPO).
- Traceability starts at the beginning of the “first mile”.
- the product In order to be considered sustainably sourced, the product must be harvested on land that is being cultivated in accordance with applicable land use requirements for RSPO certification.
- Mills typically process products, such as fresh fruit bunches (FFBs) within a 50-mile radius of their location, and often include products, such as FFBs from small holder growers. Establishing the exact location of each harvest can provide the information needed to maintain sustainability compliance.
- First mile traceability involves applying a unique DNA barcode solution to a product, such as FFB stems, using a proprietary tagging device at the geo-located harvest site. This information is associated with the DNA barcode and uploaded to the blockchain at the harvest location via smartphone. The products, such as FFBs, are then sampled at the mill to identify the harvest location and determine if the location is within the certified area.
- FIG. 7A depicts an operational flowchart for first mile traceability.
- FIG. 7B depicts an operational flowchart for second mile traceability.
- the taggants have been shown to be stable in palm oil for over one year, as shown in FIG 8. This process can therefore be extended beyond first mile traceability for true end-to-end product traceability, wherein the product is verified at each key node in the supply chain, from plantation to consumer or end user.
- DNA barcodes are shown to have good stability in crude palm oil (CPO) and refined palm oil (RPO). Because DNA barcodes remain on a product, they are formulated to be fully compatible. In addition, they must remain stable under the conditions that the product will encounter, and for the expected duration of such conditions.
- CPO crude palm oil
- RPO refined palm oil
- DNA barcodes were added to CPO and to RPO and maintained at 55 degrees centigrade (°C) for a period of 8 weeks. The primary purpose of elevating the temperature to this level was to accelerate any potential DNA barcode degradation within these matrices by a factor of 12. That is, results of the 8-week test provide the equivalent degradation that would occur in nearly 2 years at ambient temperature.
- DNA barcodes can also be validated for purity assurance.
- a method under development to detect product purity while in transit was tested and can currently reliably detect adulteration into the 30% range; a recalibration of the method will allow it to reliably detect adulteration to an operationally sufficient 15% range.
- the method involves tagging the product with a unique DNA barcode at the point of origin and taking a reference sample that is recorded on the blockchain and sent to the destination.
- a quantitative method compares the DNA barcode concentration in the reference sample to a new sample taken when the product arrives. If both sample test results match within the margin of error, no dilution or substitution occurred while the product was in transit, guaranteeing purity at the destination.
- the validation test involved tagging CPO with a unique DNA barcode. Untagged oil was then added to produce 25-milliliter (ml) aliquots of “adulterated” oil. The adulteration percent increased by 10% increments, from 0 to 40%. Each dilution set included 80 samples, for a total of 400 samples. Results show that the current method detects adulteration levels in the 30% to 40% range with 95% confidence. The recalibration of the method will address overlapping signals to yield precise results for lower levels of adulteration, as shown in FIG. 9.
- Step 1 Mill-centric harvest management.
- the mill is the center of operations for establishing the essential first link that locks the empirical evidence that ensures raw material supply compliance to the blockchain.
- the daily routine involves a pickup from the mill of newly dispensed DNA barcode and a tagging device for each harvest crew.
- the dispensed DNA barcode volume is calibrated to match the day’s harvest plan, and the DNA barcode and amount is recorded on the blockchain. (Tagging devices are returned to the mill for maintenance and recharging at the end of the shift.)
- Step 2. “First mile” traceability.
- each FFB is tagged with a pre-determined amount of the assigned DNA barcode.
- the tagging device is connected to a smartphone that authenticates the user and records the location and time of each tagging operation on the blockchain. If the harvested material exceeds the daily harvest plan due to favorable harvest conditions, the crew notifies the mill to set the stage for a possible favorable exemption.
- the tagging device prints the packing slip once the harvest is collected, which the aggregator or collector then delivers to the mill.
- Conformity is also achieved through a sampling plan.
- the system tracks loads and notifies the receiving crew when FFBs should be sampled and tested to achieve the required level of confidence for incoming product conformance.
- automated sample processing and test equipment will sample and test several hundred FFBs per day and record test results on the blockchain.
- Step 3 “Second mile” traceability, from the first CPO destination back to the mill.
- FFB milling is a continuous process, it is impractical - and perhaps impossible - to identify with 100% precision the exact origin of each CPO lot. However, it is possible to establish a link to the origin of FFBs delivered to the mill on any given day. Since CPO is generally held at a mill for no more than 24 to 48 hours, it becomes possible to narrow the origin to material that met conformity requirements during that period.
- a new DNA barcode is dispensed at the mill, recorded on the blockchain, and applied directly to the CPO at a fixed rate as the oil is loaded onto the transport vehicle. This ensures complete mixing. Since the average CPO yield for FFBs is known, the system has the data needed to perform a mass balance for the number of FFBs delivered and amount of oil to be shipped. This additional data supports a compliance claim. The mill must resolve any notable discrepancies to avoid a potential quarantine order or shipping delays.
- Step 4. Source and purity assurance, first destination.
- the system can initiate this process by generating a sample ID that is recorded on the blockchain for future reference.
- the CPO Once the CPO reaches its first destination it is sampled, tested, and compared to the ship-ahead sample to verify the source in accordance with the bill of lading or manifest. The purity can also be tested; adulteration of 15% or more can be detected with 95% confidence level. All results can be recorded on the blockchain.
- Step 5 Additional supply chain nodes.
- a new unique DNA barcode can be added to provide traceability and purity assurance along any two nodes along the supply chain as described above.
- FIG. 10 is a block diagram that illustrates a computer system 700 upon which an embodiment of the invention may be implemented.
- Computer system 700 includes a bus 702 or other communication mechanism for communicating information, and a processor 704 coupled with bus 702 for processing information.
- Processor 704 may be, for example, a general purpose microprocessor.
- Computer system 700 also includes a main memory 706, such as a random access memory (RAM) or other dynamic storage device, coupled to bus 702 for storing information and instructions to be executed by processor 704.
- Main memory 706 also may be used for storing temporary variables or other intermediate information during execution of instructions to be executed by processor 704.
- Such instructions when stored in non-transitory storage media accessible to processor 704, render computer system 700 into a special-purpose machine that is customized to perform the operations specified in the instructions.
- Computer system 700 further includes a read only memory (ROM) 708 or other static storage device coupled to bus 702 for storing static information and instructions for processor 704.
- ROM read only memory
- a storage device 710 such as a magnetic disk or optical disk, is provided and coupled to bus 702 for storing information and instructions.
- Computer system 700 may be coupled via bus 702 to a display 712, such as a computer monitor, for displaying information to a computer user.
- a display 712 such as a computer monitor
- An input device 714 is coupled to bus 702 for communicating information and command selections to processor 704.
- cursor control 716 is Another type of user input device
- cursor control 716 such as a mouse, a trackball, or cursor direction keys for communicating direction information and command selections to processor 704 and for controlling cursor movement on display 712.
- This input device typically has two degrees of freedom in two axes, a first axis (e.g., x) and a second axis (e.g., y), that allows the device to specify positions in a plane.
- Computer system 700 may implement the techniques described herein using customized hard-wired logic, one or more ASICs or FPGAs, firmware and/or program logic which in combination with the computer system causes or programs computer system 700 to be a special-purpose machine. According to one embodiment, the techniques herein are performed by computer system 700 in response to processor 704 executing one or more sequences of one or more instructions contained in main memory 706. Such instructions may be read into main memory 706 from another storage medium, such as storage device 710. Execution of the sequences of instructions contained in main memory 706 causes processor 704 to perform the process steps described herein. In alternative embodiments, hard-wired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination with software instructions.
- Non-volatile media includes, for example, optical or magnetic disks, such as storage device 710.
- Volatile media includes dynamic memory, such as main memory 706.
- Common forms of storage media include, for example, a floppy disk, flexible disk, hard disk, solid state drive, magnetic tape, or any other magnetic data storage medium, a CD-ROM, any other optical data storage medium, any physical medium with patterns of holes, a RAM, a PROM, an EPROM, a FLASH-EPROM, an NVRAM, or any other memory chip or cartridge.
- Storage media is distinct from but may be used in conjunction with transmission media.
- Transmission media participates in transferring information between storage media.
- transmission media includes coaxial cables, copper wire and fiber optics, including the wires that comprise bus 702.
- transmission media can also take the form of acoustic or light waves, such as those generated during radio-wave and infra-red data communications.
- Various forms of media may be involved in carrying one or more sequences of one or more instructions to processor 704 for execution.
- the instructions may initially be carried on a magnetic disk or solid state drive of a remote computer.
- the remote computer can load the instructions into its dynamic memory and send the instructions over a network connection.
- a modem or network interface local to computer system 700 can receive the data.
- Bus 702 carries the data to main memory 706, from which processor 704 retrieves and executes the instructions.
- the instructions received by main memory 706 may optionally be stored on storage device 710 either before or after execution by processor 704.
- Computer system 700 also includes a communication interface 718 coupled to bus 702.
- Communication interface 718 provides a two-way data communication coupling to a network link 720 that is connected to a local network 722.
- communication interface 718 may be an integrated services digital network (ISDN) card, cable modem, satellite modem, or a modem to provide a data communication connection to a corresponding type of telephone line.
- ISDN integrated services digital network
- Wireless links may also be implemented.
- communication interface 718 sends and receives electrical, electromagnetic or optical signals that carry digital data streams representing various types of information.
- Network link 720 typically provides data communication through one or more networks to other data devices.
- network link 720 may provide a connection through local network 722 to a host computer 724 or to data equipment operated by an Internet Service Provider (ISP) 726.
- ISP 726 in turn provides data communication services through the world wide packet data communication network now commonly referred to as the “Internet” 728.
- Internet 728 uses electrical, electromagnetic or optical signals that carry digital data streams.
- the signals through the various networks and the signals on network link 720 and through communication interface 718, which carry the digital data to and from computer system 700, are example forms of transmission media.
- Computer system 700 can send messages and receive data, including program code, through the network(s), network link 720 and communication interface 718.
- a server 730 might transmit a requested code for an application program through Internet 728, ISP 726, local network 722 and communication interface 718.
- the received code may be executed by processor 704 as it is received, and/or stored in storage device 710, or other non-volatile storage for later execution.
- a method of tracking a material in a supply chain comprising: recording a location at which an application device applies a DNA taggant set to a first batch of the material produced by a first supplier of the material, the DNA taggant set corresponding to a tag string corresponding to the first supplier; receiving the first batch at a processing facility; comparing the location to a geographic coordinate to verify the location is expected; selecting a sample from the first batch; and testing the sample to determine a sample DNA taggant set.
- the DNA taggant set comprises a taggant material including at least N unique pieces of DNA, representing N digits of a bar code that identifies the first batch of the material and is associated with the tag string, N being a positive integer greater than 1, wherein each of the at least N unique pieces of DNA represents one value of a corresponding one of the N digits, the method further comprising: detecting detected pieces of DNA applied to the first batch of the material; deriving a derived bar code from the detected pieces of DNA; and comparing the derived bar code to a predetermined bar code that identifies the first batch of the material.
- the DNA taggant set includes at least N unique specific target fragments of synthetic DNA, wherein each of the at least N unique specific target fragments of synthetic DNA corresponds to a first binary value of zero or a second binary value of one.
- a method of tracking a product from a geographically defined location to a processing location providing an application device with an amount of issued DNA taggant set, based on an estimated amount of the product to be harvested from the geographically defined location; applying the issued DNA taggant set, with the application device, to the product; delivering the product to the processing location, with an applied DNA taggant set; and verifying a bar code corresponding to the applied DNA taggant set matches an expected bar code.
- the application device tracks a number of actuations, each actuation indicating issued DNA taggant set was dispensed.
- each DNA taggant set, of the issued and applied DNA taggant set comprises a taggant material including at least N unique pieces of DNA, representing N digits of a bar code, N being a positive integer greater than 1, wherein each of the at least N unique pieces of DNA represents one value of a corresponding one of the N digits
- verifying the applied DNA taggant set comprises: detecting applied pieces of DNA from the applied DNA taggant set; deriving a derived bar code from the applied pieces of DNA; and comparing the derived bar code to a bar code that corresponds to the issued DNA taggant set.
- Processes described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.
- Processes described herein may be performed under the control of one or more computer systems configured with executable instructions and may be implemented as code (e.g., executable instructions, one or more computer programs or one or more applications) executing collectively on one or more processors, by hardware or combinations thereof.
- the code may be stored on a computer-readable storage medium, for example, in the form of a computer program comprising a plurality of instructions executable by one or more processors.
- the computer-readable storage medium may be non-transitory.
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US10302614B2 (en) * | 2014-05-06 | 2019-05-28 | Safetraces, Inc. | DNA based bar code for improved food traceability |
WO2016114808A1 (en) * | 2015-01-16 | 2016-07-21 | Lawrence Livermore National Security, Llc | Dna based bar code for improved food traceability |
US20170228826A1 (en) * | 2016-02-08 | 2017-08-10 | Apdn (B.V.I.) Inc. | Identifying marked articles in the international stream of commerce |
US10926264B2 (en) * | 2018-01-10 | 2021-02-23 | Safetraces, Inc. | Dispensing system for applying DNA taggants used in combinations to tag articles |
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