Verification of the FORDETECT Technology for fast Detection of Pathogenic Bacteria

FORDETECT is a new microfluid-based method for rapid, on-site, automatic detection of selected pathogens in a liquid sample. The method makes use of single-use recyclable cartridges with precise control over liquid flows and parallel detection of multiple pathogens in one sample. The application areas for the FORDETECT technology are many and include food safety and fish health within the aquaculture industry, monitoring pathogens in drinking water and medical diagnostics. Specifically, there is a need for on-site monitoring of the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes in salmon slaughterhouses in Norway, with the aim of reducing the analysis time from the current 2-3 days to 1 hour. In addition, the on-site rapid detection of a variety of pathogens is of great interest to the aquaculture industry. The aim of the project was to reduce the commercial risk in the further development of the technology towards commercialization by verifying the technology's properties and reliability. Through the project, the technology has been demonstrated to potential users, and we have received a number of input from the industry, including cost level and how to attract the market. In the project, we have designed and developed a prototype cartridge with a breadboard that operates the cartridge. With the use of breadboard, we will in the further work optimize the final design of the cartridge, as well as determine which components we need in the development of the instrument that will operate the cartridge. The project has also demonstrated the technology by verifying rapid detection of Listeria monocytogenes in salmon slaughterhouses, as well as bacteria in drinking water in close collaboration with users. Another goal of the project has been to secure further funding for the next phase of product development and commercialization. We are well underway with this work. The project has also created an optimal strategy for securing intellectual property rights.

We have succeeded developing a first disposable cartridge and breadboard which makes it possible to test out the sensitivity, specificity, robustness and reliability. We have the tools needed to start Phase 2, building the first instrument and optimizing the final cartridge. Demonstration and verification of the technology for stakeholders in the aquaculture and water distribution systems have been completed, using blind tests, detecting Listeria monocytogenes (aquaculture) and E.Coli (water distribution). The test results and demonstrations have been very positive with a 100% score in all demo's and we will continue further demonstrations for potensial customers in the comming months. Another outcome from talks with the fish industry is that we will develop a new set of primers/assay for Listeria monocytogens and 4 new Assays in 4 different cartridges covering the most known fish diseases within Atlantic Salmon for fish farmers in Norway. We are still working with investors and seeking grants for financing of the product development. We hope to have a major investor signed during the this year.