Rapisense: commercialisation of automated detection of small molecules in complex samples

Antibiotic residues in food are strictly controlled by legislation in many countries and territories. In dairy farms, contamination of the farm bulk tank with milk containing residues presents a threat to confidence of supply, results in financial losses to the farmer and dairy industry and imposes a risk to the environment when disposed of. The current test methods that are used on farm sites are mainly lateral flow tests which are time-consuming, expensive and rely on manual sample handling. Biosensors represent a potential improvement, with the prospect of automated sampling, rapid and low-cost analysis. This research has focused on the development of an electrochemical biosensor technology for rapid detection of antibiotics in milk following a UK dairy industry call. Electrode surface modification strategies using single-stranded DNA aptamers as affinity agents were developed and high sensitivities in the micromolar and nanomolar range were achieved. The methodology developed in this research has posed a significant commercialisation potential and possibility to apply this technology into other fields for detection of small molecules in complex samples.