Rheonix to expand testing of pathogen system

13-Nov-2013 - Last updated on 13-Nov-2013 at 08:15 GMT

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Rheonix gets $500,000 to expand automated molecular detection system

Rheonix has received a $500,000 grant to expand its pathogen detection system from the evaluation of recreational water to detection of pathogens in food and beverages.

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase IIB grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) adds to the $650,000 received in NSF SBIR Phase I.

Under an agreement with Life Technologies, Rheonix is developing capabilities for the in vitro diagnostics market and will supply its CARD technology to the firm for an automated testing platform in markets such as food testing.

A raw sample is placed on the Rheonix CARD, which the automated platform runs through the process of sample extraction, DNA purification, amplification and detection.

“The added funding by NSF further validates the scientific merit of our platform,” said Tony Eisenhut, president of Rheonix.

“In addition, having a strategic partner of the stature of Life Technologies was a definite benefit during our discussions with NSF.”