The development of a new rapid diagnostic test for the detection of potentially dangerous micro-organisms in food, clinical and water samples has received further funding from the Scottish Executive.
NCIMB Ltd winners of a SMART Scotland stage 1 award in 1998 have successfully completed stage one of the SMART project to develop a technology for the rapid detection of bacteria. The technique is based on detecting unique sequences in a bacteria’s genetic material which can identify the type of bacteria responsible for contamination. The SMART stage 2 award of £42k will allow NCIMB Ltd to produce in the near future a kit for detection of micro-organisms some of which pose risks to health.
Development Officer Dr Carol Phillips said: “The kit will allow reliable and accurate identification of micro-organisms such as E. coli and Salmonella in a matter of hours rather than days as is the case of some of the more conventional assays currently available.”
Dr Steve Minter, NCIMB Ltd’s Chief Operations Officer, said: “The company’s progress in developing novel microbiological diagnostic tests and its continuing development as one of the leading biotechnology companies both in Scotland and in the rest of the world is a tribute to its staff and the innovation of the University of Aberdeen.
Dr. Minter said: “We are pleased to accept the award and further develop the biotechnology position of the North East of Scotland.”
NCIMB Ltd is a successful biotechnology spin-out company from the University of Aberdeen specialising in developing novel uses of microbes and in the identification of bacteria and other microbes. NCIMB Ltd houses the National Collection of Industrial, Food and Marine Bacteria which is a leading member of the United Kingdom National Culture Collections (UKNCC).
The award comes at an important time in the company’s development. Until recently NCIMB Ltd has focussed its efforts on the expert management of its bacterial culture collection as a national resource and on its specialist identification and chemical testing services. The company has begun a program of investigating the properties of bacteria in its collection and there is good indication that some may have properties useful in recycling waste products, for example paper, in industrial processing and as new sources of novel therapeutic agents. The management team has been strengthened and the company is now seeking further funding to take it into its next phase of development.
Dr Alan Syms, NCIMB Ltd’s Chief Executive Officer said: “This is a wonderful achievement for the company, its staff and the University of Aberdeen. We are committed to building a world class biotechnology business in Aberdeen and developing the company’s leading edge position at the forefront of biotechnology based on its expertise in microbiology.”