<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><ns2:project xmlns:ns1="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api" xmlns:ns2="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api/project" xmlns:ns3="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api/fund" xmlns:ns4="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api/person" xmlns:ns5="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api/project/outcome" xmlns:ns6="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api/organisation" ns1:created="2026-06-03T15:52:43Z" ns1:href="http://gtr.ukri.org/gtr/api/projects/C8D2A6FC-E71D-472A-8FBB-845AE7948FBE" ns1:id="C8D2A6FC-E71D-472A-8FBB-845AE7948FBE"><ns1:links><ns1:link ns1:href="http://gtr.ukri.org/gtr/api/persons/CB74C8FF-AA8D-48B1-AC5E-1DD6C20947AC" ns1:rel="PM_PER"/><ns1:link ns1:href="http://gtr.ukri.org/gtr/api/organisations/7126E39C-C664-4787-8E02-BE9596EEFFDB" ns1:rel="LEAD_ORG"/><ns1:link ns1:href="http://gtr.ukri.org/gtr/api/organisations/E3693130-0595-48DB-AEC0-78BA8D932947" ns1:rel="PARTICIPANT_ORG"/><ns1:link ns1:href="http://gtr.ukri.org/gtr/api/organisations/7126E39C-C664-4787-8E02-BE9596EEFFDB" ns1:rel="PARTICIPANT_ORG"/><ns1:link ns1:end="2026-03-30T23:00:00Z" ns1:href="http://gtr.ukri.org/gtr/api/funds/DB6E5F6B-AF41-481E-BFD6-C44BE07D653C" ns1:rel="FUND" ns1:start="2025-01-01T00:00:00Z"/></ns1:links><ns2:identifiers><ns2:identifier ns2:type="RCUK">10119293</ns2:identifier></ns2:identifiers><ns2:title>RapidPath: Single-Step, Rapid Detection of Bacteria in Environmental Waters</ns2:title><ns2:status>Closed</ns2:status><ns2:grantCategory>Collaborative R&amp;D</ns2:grantCategory><ns2:leadFunder>Innovate UK</ns2:leadFunder><ns2:abstractText>RapidPath: Single-Step, Rapid Detection of Bacteria in Environmental Waters,&amp;quot; aims to significantly advance the field of environmental monitoring through the development of cutting-edge biosensor technology. This innovative system is designed for the rapid, accurate, and on-site detection of microbial contaminants in environmental water sources, a capability that is increasingly critical in our efforts to ensure water safety and protect public health.

At the heart of RapidPath assay lies the integration of Innovative oligo constructs, a novel approach that combines the high specificity and signal amplification for target microbial DNA to produce a quantifiable signal indicative of the presence of pathogens. This biosensor is capable of delivering results within 20 minutes, drastically reducing the time required for water quality analysis compared to traditional laboratory-based methods.

What sets RapidPath apart is its single-step, field-operable functionality. Designed to be user-friendly, it does not require specialized laboratory equipment or extensive technical training, making it accessible to a broad range of users from field technicians to environmental scientists. This feature is particularly beneficial for remote or resource-limited settings where access to laboratory facilities is challenging.

The development of RapidPath is timely and aligns with the objectives outlined in the Environmental Act 2021, which emphasizes the importance of continuous and real-time monitoring of watercourses to prevent harmful discharges and protect biodiversity. By providing a tool for the immediate assessment of biological contamination, RapidPath supports compliance with regulatory standards and enhances environmental stewardship.

As we move towards the project's implementation, we are committed to ensuring that RapidPath represents a sustainable and cost-effective solution for water quality monitoring. The technology's adaptability for future integration into fixed installation kiosks with automated data collection and analysis capabilities further underscores its potential to transform water management practices.

Our vision for RapidPath is not merely to introduce a new product but to set new standards in water quality assessment, contributing to the global effort to secure clean water for all. We believe that by enhancing our ability to monitor and respond to environmental challenges effectively, we can make significant strides towards achieving net-zero emissions and fostering a healthier, more sustainable world.</ns2:abstractText></ns2:project>