Bacterial detection is vital to sustain healthy living.

Detact Diagnostics is a developer of diagnostic tests for the healthcare and food sector. In recent years, Detact Diagnostics has developed a platform technology to detect the presence of proteases (which are specific for bacteria and viruses).

In this project, Detact wants to develop technology to help doctors/healthcare providers make a diagnosis. Diagnostic tests are being designed to detect bacteria (such as "Gram-negative" bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa and "Gram-positive" bacteria Staphylococcus aureus) in both synovial fluid and peritoneal fluid. In addition, Detact will develop a handheld spectrometer to do point-of-care detection, which will be smartphone compatible with the ability to add to an electronic patient file.

The diagnostic test is based on a so-called peptide (a short chain of specific amino acids) with a light-emitting molecule at one end and a light-absorbing molecule (quencher) the other. In the absence of the target, the chain remains intact, and no light is released. However, in the presence of the target, the peptide is "cut". The distance between the light-emitting and light-absorbing molecule then increases so that light is released freely. We collect this light and measure it; the amount of light released gives the result. Depending on the protease present (specific for certain bacteria or viruses), we can adapt the chain. It is possible to use the test as a convenient, point-of-care test used at any desired location with a detector.