Market Assessment of a Dip-and-Fold Sensor Device for Rapid Assessment of Insecticides in Water Samples

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The University of Waterloo researchers have developed a low-cost disposable paper-based testing device for the rapid colorimetric detection of pesticides, specifically carbamates and organophosphates, in water samples based on Ellman's method of acetylcholinesterase inhibition. The key advantages of the Dip-and-Fold platform consist of: (i) no addition of reagents and disposable materials for the analysis; (ii) elimination of risk of direct contact with the contaminated samples because the sample can be transferred to the device by capillarity; (iii) user-friendly, simple, and cost-effective solution; (iv) sustainable device. Considering the serious environmental impact of pesticides in water sources pollution and the alarming lack of safe drinking water in many countries, it is possible to identify a high demand for rapid water assessment tools that can be accessed and operated by millions of end-users, including government laboratories, researchers, environmental agencies, agricultural workers, indigenous communities, or any ordinary citizen that is concerned about being exposed to these contaminants. The potential application areas of this technology are (a) Drinking water monitoring, (b) Control of pesticide usage in agriculture, (c) Detection of pesticides and other chemicals in organic food, (d) Environmental monitoring. As part of this Market Assessment grant, the selected consultant will perform a thorough market analysis to identify the most suitable market opportunities and technical, marketing, and financial challenges associated with applying the technology in a particular market segment. A favourable market assessment result will further guide the commercialization pathway and the rationale for the selected pathway, which could include licensing to an existing company, or startup company, blended based on characteristics of market segments identified.