An Adelaide company has secured funding to finalise prototypes and complete
testing of a biosensor technology that is set to revolutionise the testing of
water, wine and food throughout the world.
CleanFutures
AquaSens, based in Adelaide, was formed specifically to develop the AquaSens
biosensor. The technology is a rapid, highly sensitive sensor probe for the
detection of nitrates and phosphates in water, and sulfites in wine and food
products.
The technology was developed by Monash University in Victoria and had started
its commercialisation process through a Victorian State Government body, Nanotechnology
Victoria. When the funding was wound down for this body earlier this year, two
South Australian entrepreneurs set about bringing the technology to Adelaide
for further commercial development.
Kristin Alford and John O’Brien saw the global opportunity for the technology,
secured the exclusive rights to commercialise it and established CleanFutures
to bring to it to market.
Bio Innovation SA recognised this potential and has provided funding through
its Business Development Initiative(BDI) grant to allow the final testing to
be completed.
“We are to support CleanFutures AquaSens and are excited about the potential
their technology has for the water, wine and food industries,” said Mr
Neil Finlayson, Bio Innovation SA’s Business Development Director.
The funding will enable CleanFutures AquaSens to design and manufacture industrial
prototypes of the biosensor and to then conduct customer trials. One of these
trials will be completed with the Australian Water Quality Centre, SA Water’s
testing laboratory.
The technology allows for tests to be completed immediately and in the field
rather than taking samples for further analysis in a laboratory. Results are
within minutes rather than having to wait a week or more. Increased phosphates
and nitrate levels are key indicators of the likelihood of blue-green algae
forming. The use of this biosensor could provide early warning of problems in
water bodies such as the River Murray.
“The BDI grant will enable CleanFutures AquaSens to complete critical
milestones essential for progress through commercialisation, including designing
and manufacturing an industrial prototype and conducting customer trials.”
“We are excited to be able to further the early commercialisation work
conducted by Nanotechnology Victoria and Monash University”, said CleanFutures
AquaSens’ CEO, Kristin Alford.
The issue of sulfite in wine is currently a major problem for the industry:
as it is hard to detect and it is estimated that 1% of the population are sulfite-sensitive.
With South Australia’s position as a leader in wine production, the development
of the sulfite biosensor here is a natural fit. CleanFutures has arranged for
the technology’s inventor, Professor Sam Adeloju from Monash, to work
with both Flinders University and The Australian Wine Research Institute (AWRI)
to finalise the required research for the sulfite application of the AquaSens
technology.
“Once proven the sulfite biosensor will enable all wineries to test every
barrel of wine and make sure that sulfite levels are managed effectively. This
will provide clearer consumer information for those that are sensitive to sulfite,”
said John O’Brien, CleanFutures AquaSens’ CFO.
“The ability to test both water and wine on the spot will enable water
companies and wine makers to be able to manage their products better. We believe
that this technology will revolutionise testing the world over and further enhance
South Australia’s reputation for clean technologies,” Dr Alford
added.
Posted September 14th, 2009
