Sensitive Salmonella detection in chocolate using Aptamer Switch Assay
Cexal's Aptamer Switch technology enables rapid, sensitive detection of Salmonella in chocolate, achieving detection levels of 1 CFU per 375 grams within 3-4 hours. This assay meets ISO 16140-2 standards and is ideal for food safety applications.
Overview
Cexal Ltd presents a cutting-edge solution for food safety with its Aptamer Switch technology (AST), specifically designed for the rapid, sensitive, and specific detection of Salmonella spp. in complex food matrices such as chocolate. This innovative assay can detect contamination levels as low as 1 CFU per 375 grams of chocolate within 3-4 hours. With its foundation in AST's proven clinical success, this technology offers the food industry a reliable tool for ensuring product safety and compliance with ISO 16140-2 standards.
Technical specifications
- Sensitivity: Detects ≤1 CFU of Salmonella spp. per 375 g of chocolate.
- Specificity: Achieves ≥90% specificity against common foodborne microorganisms.
- Speed: Provides results within 3-4 hours from sample processing to detection.
- Matrix Adaptability: Validated in complex matrices including chocolate, urine, and wound buffer.
- Standard Compliance: Developed in compliance with ISO 16140-2 for qualitative microbiological methods.
Technology readiness level
Currently at Technology Readiness Level 4, the AST for chocolate is undergoing probe optimization, matrix compatibility testing, and system integration. Cexal is seeking partnerships to access Salmonella strains and facilitate co-validation in production-relevant conditions, aiming for inter-lab validation and eventual scale-up.
About Cexal Ltd
CEXAL LTD is a Scottish-based biotech company specializing in rapid, point-of-need molecular diagnostics. The company has developed a proprietary biosensor technology designed to detect biomarkers and bacteria in under 30 minutes. This technology is distinguished by its simplicity, utilizing only two active components and requiring no external equipment or readers. It is designed for direct use on clinical or environmental samples, providing results comparable to traditional laboratory methods. The company's portfolio includes the FluoCDx platform for bacterial phenotyping, the RapidPath platform for genotyping, the Nanosensr platform for small-molecule testing, and the StreamTube sampling device for pre-enrichment and concentration. By integrating molecular biology and sensor engineering, CEXAL LTD aims to provide cost-effective diagnostic solutions that surpass current industry standards for speed and accessibility. The technology supports critical applications in microbial testing, offering a streamlined workflow that eliminates the need for complex laboratory infrastructure, making it suitable for field or point-of-care environments. Through these innovations, the company addresses the need for efficient bacterial detection and analysis across various diagnostic contexts.
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