Cooperation with Microsaic Systems in the field of water monitoring using Optimera

Aptamer Group plc (Target: APTA), developer of novel Optimer® adhesives enabling innovation in the life sciences industry, announces a partnership with Microsaic Systems to develop a panel of Optimer adhesives for integration with a water testing system.

Microsaic Systems recently purchased a Microtox® water testing system. Previous work with Aptamer’s Optimer Covid-19 binders and this water testing system has demonstrated their successful integration with pathogen detectors and excellent detection performance compared to alternative affinity ligands such as Affimers. Successful trials have previously been carried out using Optimer-enabled pathogen detectors to detect COVID-19 in the UK wastewater treatment system. Following the acquisition of Microtox®, Microsaic intends to commercialize the device using a panel of Optimer binders that specifically detect several major waterborne pathogens.

Aptamer has reached a master agreement with Microsaic to develop an Optimer adhesive panel to improve its water testing system. The Aptamer Group will develop a range of fresh Optimer binders for common waterborne pathogens such as E. coli, Cholera, Cryptosporidium, Legionella AND Norovirus. Once developed, the binders will be available for integration into water pathogen detectors to rapidly and sensitively detect many pathogens that pose a significant threat to public health. This continuous water testing solution will enable real-time detection of pathogens, without the delays of sending samples for laboratory testing, and has proven to be able to be simply integrated into nationwide water systems for early detection of potential infections.

“We are pleased to cooperate with Microsaic and support it in the development of its water testing system. The apply of a pathogen detector in national water systems could assist prevent disease outbreaks by quickly identifying specific sizzling spots. The tough nature of Optimer binders means they can perform in tests as diverse as laboratory diagnostics and aquatic environmental monitoring. Previous work has demonstrated that Optimer binders enable highly sensitive detection of pathogens in the wastewater testing system, and we are excited to build on this with the fresh team at Microsaic as we bring the platform to market. “
Dr. Arron Tolley, Technical Director of the Aptamer Group