A novel chemiluminescence-based detection method for the fight against E.coli and coliforms

Swiss diagnostic start-up NEMIS Technologies announces working on the development of rapid screening tests to detect E. Coli in food safety settings

“With our NEMIS solution based on the AquaSparkTM technology, on-site screening has never been so easy”, Mario Hupfeld, Chief Scientific Officer stated. “We validated our concept over the last year on Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella, where we expect to start the AOAC certification process in fall.” NEMIS uses molecules emitting a bright chemiluminescent light which is triggered specifically by the target bacteria and gives a reliable and strong signal in presence of viable cells. First applications are environmental swab tests, although for E. coli and coliform detection the company works on more user formats. All tests are done without sample preparation, on-site, and give specific results in one shift depending on the pathogen. “It is an exciting opportunity for us to broaden our product portfolio with an E. coli and coliform detection test with a market launch planned in 2021”, CEO Arnaud Muller adds.