Technology Overview
A rapid, reliable, practical test for detecting pathogens in food—within minutes.
Breaking the Barriers of Current Food Testing
In an industry that requires rapid confirmation of pathogen contamination, our patent-pending Sentinel Technologies are the answer. Our technologies are designed to transcend the limits of current food safety testing so both consumers and food manufacturers are better protected. By accurately identifying the presence of specific pathogens in food samples—on site, with minimal handling time, minimal sample preparation, and low associated costs—our platforms are poised to be a next generation early-warning beacon. Designed for easy use at all points along the food chain—from producers to meat slaughter-houses, food processors to distributors and retailers, and ultimately, the consumer—our patent-pending technology is designed to minimize the risk of foodborne illness.
Limitations of Current Technology
Current limitations include time delays in obtaining data, inconclusive results, and the financial burden associated with the testing itself. These can lead to needless recalls, a reduction in the shelf life of perishable products, the unwitting shipment of product that is, in fact, contaminated, and increased operating costs. Consequently, the food industy loses billions of dollars each year in expensive recalls and lost sales.
In today’s regulatory environment, with recently passed legislation placing greater obligation on food companies to assure the safety of their products, there is a significant need for improved technology.
- Currently available “Rapid Tests” take at least 8 to 72 hours for results, increasing the probability that contaminated product may be shipped and consumed; or conversely, that perishable product is being held in wait of test results, unnecessarily losing shelf life at great expense to the food producer
- High false-positive rates that result in unnecessary and expensive recalls can damage product and company reputations
- Cumbersome and costly product sampling procedures, including the need for specialized equipment and technically trained personnel, make it difficult for food producers to conduct frequent testing—which is vital for protecting against foodborne contamination
