700433The development of simple, rapid and cost effective test kits and their integration with smartphone technology for monitoring occupational and environmental exposure to the isocyanates – a group of common occupational chemicals and environmental pollutantClosedGRD Proof of MarketInnovate UKIsocyanates are widespread chemicals with known adverse health effects. Isocyanates are employed in commercial and consumer applications. The main effects of isocyanate exposure are occupational asthma and lung disease. Some isocyanates are carcinogenic. Studies in the construction industry show up to 57% of spray foam workers demonstrate the effects of isocyanate exposure. Environmental exposure has been detected in residents living close to manufacturers employing isocyanates. Case studies associate families displaying symptoms of isocyanate exposure with home insulation. Other studies have shown the presence of isocyanates in medical devices and the exposure of neonatal infants to isocyanates. There is a need for simple, rapid and cost-effective tests for monitoring human exposure. Exposure to isocyanates can be determined by the rapidly growing discipline of biomonitoring – the measurement of the chemical or a metabolite (biomarker) in the body (e.g. blood and urine) of an exposed individual. However, the best, currently available biomonitoring methods, require a complicated work-up prior to analysis, are restricted to larger laboratories with sophisticated analytical equipment, need skilled technical operators, are not routinely available, provide slow turnaround times and are expensive. Antibody technology allows the development of simple, rapid and cost-effective immunoassays. The production of antibodies to isocyanate biomarkers will enable Biomark to develop new isocyanate biomonitoring tests. Immunoassays provided in ELISA format will allow the laboratory analysis of large sample numbers and the provision of routine test services. The development of point of care tests will enable on-site use and real time monitoring. Integration with smartphone technology will allow data capture, data handling and test support. Providing employers with immediate confirmation of good working practice and on the job reassurance to those involved in hazardous tasks.