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Portable waterborne pathogen detector

Technology Benefits

· Pathogen detection able to be done at point of sampling (reduced time to results) · Designed to be used in the field (environmental marketing): requires no other equipment; able to be used in low-resource settings and in severe conditions (i.e. after natural disasters) · End-user friendly due to integrated, semi-automatic system: 1 step, 1 device (compare to 4 steps, 4 devices design currently sold by Bio-Rad) · Cost-effective due to less parts; disposable plastic discs for loading samples can be manufactured in mass at lower costs using hot embossing or injection molding

Technology Application

Water quality assessment Clinical diagnosticsFood safetyBiosecurity

Detailed Technology Description

Waterborne microbial pathogens pose a significant public health issue, causing approximately 1.8 million deaths every year, and causing waterborne disease outbreaks both in developing and developed countries. Making copies of genetic microbial material in liquid samples via Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is the preferred method for microbial pathogen detection. However, current PCR systems are difficult to apply in situations other than controlled laboratories with highly trained personnel. Researchers at UCI have developed a semi-automated, digital PCR system that is easy to utilize even for users with minimal training at the same time the sample is collected. This minimizes time spent on sample transportation and preparation, and therefore this easy-to-use digital PCR system can be used even in resource-limited settings and harsh conditions (i.e. after natural disasters). This device has the potential to be used not only for water quality and environment monitoring, but also in the testing of food quality and safety as well as a convenientdiagnostic tool for infections in humans.

Others

State Of Development

Prototype developed; field testing in progress

Tech ID/UC Case

28879/2017-809-0

Related Cases

2017-809-0

*Abstract

The inventors at the University of California, Irvine, have developed an automated, easy-to-use digital PCR system that can be used at the time of sample collection, making it highly effective in microbial pathogen analysis in resource-limited settings and extreme conditions.

*Principal Investigator

Name: Michael Hoffmann

Department:

Name: Xiao Huang

Department:

Name: Sunny Jiang

Department:

Name: Marc Madou

Department:

Country/Region

USA