Feasibility of an integrated ultrasonic enhanced extraction and magneto-immunoassay technique for rapid, in-situ measurement of antibiotic residues in animal tissue

This project will produce a new measurement system that will rapidly detect antibiotic residues in meat. The system will bring together ultrasonic and magnetic technologies in a unique way so that, if present, the amount of antibiotic residues in a small sample of meat can be measured. Small magnetic particles are used to break up the meat sample, helped by ultrasound, and any antibiotic in the sample will change the amount of magnetic material measured by the instrument.
The system will be easy to use and will allow testing to be carried out at the point of sampling by semi-skilled personnel leading to better surveillance, preventing antibiotics getting into the food chain and reducing the development of antibiotic resistant bacteria.