Evaluating and Enhancing UV-C Seed Chambers Design for Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture: A Multi-Criteria Approach using the Penta-S Model

The development of UV-C sterilization chambers for seed treatment requires a structured design approach that optimizes functionality, sustainability, and automation. Existing prototypes often lack an integrated evaluation framework to systematically enhance their design. This study applies the Penta-S framework-Social, Sustainable, Sensing, Smart, and Safe-to evaluate and redesign five UV-C sterilization prototypes developed at Instituto Politécnico Nacional. A multi-criteria approach was employed, integrating Fuzzy-Topsis for prototype ranking, QFD for feature prioritization, and a morphological matrix for systematic design synthesis. The analysis identified key enhancements, including real-time sensing for UV exposure control, adaptive automation, and energy-efficient components. The proposed designs address the safety, material recyclability and smart operation gaps, ensuring a balance between technological advancement and environmental considerations. While the theoretical framework provides structured improvements, further experimental validation is required to refine the prototypes for agricultural applications. This study offers a scalable, multi-criteria approach to designing next-generation UV-C sterilization products tailored for seed treatment.