FOLIUM Science, a UK-based biotechnology business, announced that it will launch SWIFTR, a rapid lateral flow test for the detection of Salmonella, at the AgriTechE REAP Conference. The new molecular test uses Guided Biotics® technology.
FOLIUM Science will be taking to the stage at the AgriTechE REAP Conference on November 8th to launch the latest of their innovative product range to improve animal health and productivity.
The new product, called SWIFTR, is a lateral flow test for the detection of bacterial infection. The first product in the range will be launched at REAP and is for the rapid detection of Salmonella in poultry production. The time it takes to get the test result and identify an infection is reduced to one hour compared to currently available tests which can take up to five days.
According to the company’s statement, the test is also simple to use and requires no special training or laboratory equipment so that it can be carried out on the farm or where action can quickly be taken to protect the health of the flock and to prevent the spread of infection. Because SWIFTR is a molecular test that uses advanced molecular biology, it can identify small pieces of genetic material from the pathogenic bacteria that the user is looking for in the sample, even down to individual Salmonella serovars where necessary. This means that the test is extremely accurate.
The company stated that the extent of the infection can also be quantified so that the appropriate measures can be put in place.
WE ARE ALSO DEVELOPING TESTS FOR OTHER BACTERIA
“We know that rapid testing for bacterial infection is the Holy Grail for the food industry,” said Ed Fuchs, CEO of FOLIUM Science. “Our first SWIFTR test is for the detection of Salmonella but we are also developing tests for other bacteria such as Enterococcus, Clostridium, and E.coli. While poultry production is the first step on the ladder, there are numerous applications in animal farming and across the food industry for a test that is quick, simple, and accurate. We are working with our partners in the poultry industry to roll out the use of SWIFTR in poultry production in early 2024.”
SWIFTR uses the same Guided Biotics® technology that has been developed for FOLIUM Science’s feed additive BiomElix. Next year sees the launch of the first product in Brazil, BiomElix One, a feed additive for poultry that targets all Salmonella serotypes.
FOLIUM Science’s Guided Biotics® are based on CRISPR-Cas technology and have received endorsement from the Brazilian National BioSafety Committee (CTNBio) as a non-GM ‘new-breeding technique’. CRISPR-Cas is a defence system that has evolved in bacteria to protect them against invading viruses. FOLIUM Science is harnessing this natural system to manage and modulate bacteria in the microbiome.
“The launch of SWIFTR perfectly complements our feed additive portfolio,” said Ed. “Not only can we offer a product that detects the presence of infection, but we use the same proprietary Guided Biotics® technology to create and produce an additive that modulates the microbiome to help control infection in the digestive tract of the animal.”
FOLIUM Science will be attending the AgriTechE REAP conference in Cambridge, UK on November 8th. The team will be demonstrating the SWIFTR product at their exhibition stand.