Photek Limited joins the European Seventh Framework Programme BioliSME
Speedy system for sampling and detecting Listeria monocytogenes in agro-food and related European industries

The European Seventh Framework Programme has chosen companies from the Czech Republic, France, Ireland, Spain and the UK to develop an innovative system to detect the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in agro-food industries over a two year project ending in 2011.

The main limitations of current detection techniques include the need of specialised equipment and personnel. SMEs usually do not have the required facilities and qualified staff in plants so they must outsource the analyses to external, accredited laboratories for a process that takes approximately one to ten days. The BioliSME project is centred on technologies that enable more cost effective, safe and on-site detection of pathogens within an hour. The new system is flexible and will also be applied to detect other important pathogens, as well as the detection of Listeria, in clinical and environmental sectors.

Fluoresescence detection is at the base of the proposed sensing scheme. Using knowledge of camera systems for photon detection, Photek will collaborate with BVT in the Czech Republic and 40-30 in France to construct the detection prototype and to integrate the sample and measurement units. This exciting advancement will also allow Photek to expand further in biological and life science markets while strengthening European SME research and innovation of new pathogen detection in food processing plants.

For project updates and product information go to:
Contact: ian.cox@photek.co.uk
Tel. +44 (0)1424 850555