How does it work?
A microfluidic lab-on-a-chip (size of a credit card) automatically performs all the steps in an analysis protocol that would normally be carried out in a laboratory. For bacteria, it extracts the DNA, then amplifies it using PCR. For allergens, it simultaneously carries out antigen-antibody reactions (ELISA test) and biomolecular analysis (PCR). A single cartridge can detect three to five pathogens or allergens at the same time.
Advantages?
The lab-on-a-chip greatly reduces analysis time while ensuring the same quality of detection. In concrete terms, analysis time for a lab-on-a-chip is down to two hours whereas a traditional lab often requires 24 hours for bacteria and up to 10 days for allergens. It also enables analyses to be carried out on site, without the need for a laboratory or a specialized technician.
For food manufacturers, this means they can drastically reduce batch release times, avoid costly product recalls and carry out preventive self-inspection of their production facilities. Protected by a dozen patents, this technology offers consumers even greater guarantees for food safety.
Our research areas:
- Automate and transfer new analysis protocols on to microfluidic components
- Increase the number of analyses on a single microfluidic cartridge
- Cartridge reusability
Applications?
- Bacteria detection: listeria, salmonella, Escherichia coli, etc.
- Allergen detection: gluten, sesame, almonds, etc.
- Detection of mycotoxins