Detection of microbial infections: faster, more sensitive and affordable

Friday 6 December 2024

A consortium led by Femi Ojambati (University of Twente), in collaboration with Abeje Mersha (Saxion University) and industrial partners Biotactical and Studio Gydiar, will develop a highly sensitive, automated microbial detection system using nanophotonics, robotics, and AI. This project recently received funding of 2.5 million euros from the National Growth Fund Programme NXTGEN Hightech to address global health and safety challenges posed by microbial contamination.

Microbial contamination is a significant global threat, causing diseases, foodborne illnesses, and hospital-acquired infections. Current detection methods are expensive, time-consuming, and require highly skilled personnel, while more affordable alternatives lack sensitivity and reliability. Moreover, human involvement in testing introduces risks of error and inconsistency.

Nanophotonics, robotics and AI

This project seeks to overcome these limitations by developing a cost-effective, sensitive, and rapid detection system that minimises human intervention. By combining advanced nanophotonics, robotics, and artificial intelligence, the team aims to create a groundbreaking tool for microbial testing that will improve safety and efficiency across multiple sectors.

The consortium brings together expertise in nanophotonics, robotics, and industrial design to take fundamental research to market-ready technology. Biotactical, one of the industrial partners, will commercialise the device immediately after the project, starting with pharmaceutical quality control customers and expanding to other sectors, including food and water safety.

Societal impact

The societal impact of this project is profound. By providing small and medium enterprises access to advanced microbial testing, it will democratise technology, enhance public health, reduce hospital-acquired infections, and contribute to global health goals. This innovative approach demonstrates how research and industry can collaborate to address pressing global challenges effectively.

More information

The consortium comprises of the University of Twente, Saxion University of Applied Sciences and industrial partners from Biotactical and Studio Gydiar. Each consortium member brings unique expertise, from nanophotonics to robotics and industrial design, taking fundamental research all the way to a final commercial product.

The total budget of the project is about 4 million euros, with NWO contributing 2.5 million euros through the NXTGen Future-proof high-tech equipment call and 1.5 million from the industrial partners. Biotactical will commercialize the device immediately after the project to customers in pharmaceutical quality control before expanding to other sectors.