MicroSensor: development of a novel and highly scalable platform technology for rapid in situ screening for infection on medical device surfaces.

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Many disposable medical products can be colonised by microbes, leading to severe illness or even death of the patient. Traditionally scientists have tried to find better ways to kill the microbes; however this approach has not fully worked, and may never eradicate the problem. Whilst carrying out BBSRC-funded work on this topic, we utilised methods we had developed to provide an alternative strategy for managing these infections. Our "MicroSensor" approach, involves a minature compartment close to the device surface, producing a strongly visible colour change when infected, thus enabling earlier clinical interventions to prevent serious infection occurring. Here we plan to show the MicroSensor is reliable, that its sensitivity can be controlled, and that it functions when used in a contact lens case or wound dressing, the applications closest to market. Major medical device companies have indicated these data would be required to convince them to co-develop the technology.