New tests for the detection of bacteria in water

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The proposed innovation is new tests for Enterococcus sp. (ENT) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) bacteria in water that can be done on-site, with an automated detection system that requires the user only to pour a sample into a test cartridge and insert the cartridge into an instrument. This will be transformative because, currently, these samples must be sent to a laboratory and then run in a 24-48 hr test, with results available typically 2-4 days after collecting the sample. Our test results will be available in less than 24 hr, and in only a few hours for a sample that is highly contaminated. Our Industry Partner is Pathogen Detection Systems, Inc. (PDS), which is commercializing technology licensed from Queen's for detection of E. coli and coliform bacteria. PDS is now a subsidiary of Veolia Water Technologies, in Veolia's "Endetec" group of companies. The impact of the proposed work on Canada from commercializing the technology will include both social and economic benefits to Canada. Public health - The new detection platform will provide effective monitoring and rapid alerting to the presence these bacteria, reducing the number of illnesses associated with water exposure in Canada and globally. It will also provide greater confidence in water quality in municipal, industrial and recreational settings. Economic benefits - New jobs in industrial research & development, manufacturing, operations and sales through the Canadian office of Endetec will also be created, following Endetec's track record of creating 12 full-time jobs in Canada. New affordable water monitoring systems will be introduced globally, with the Canadian office playing a lead role in the commercial development and international export of this technology. Queen's University will continue to hold the IP and license it to Endetec, and additional revenue from sales of the new tests will bring additional royalty income to Queen's. The continued funding of research at Queen's by Endetec in the longer term will also be supported by the research proposed here.