Low Cost Arsenite Sensors
Lead Research Organisation:
Imperial College London
Department Name: Chemistry
Abstract
Arsenic contamination of drinking water is a global problem, affecting 14% of the world's population (WHO Figures) particularly in resource poor regions where access to adequate testing facilities is either limited or non-existent. A simple to use low cost method to measure arsenic at WHO levels would allow contaminated sources to be identified and avoided. Moreover as the arsenic levels are changing dynamically the regular retesting of sources such as tube wells would allow previously identified wells to be bought back into use if levels had fallen sufficiently. Using a disposable strip that plugs into a simple battery powered meter provides a robust route to such decentralised testing. In addition to refining the technical aspects of this device we will also be engaging with potential stakeholders to ensure effective distribution through a variety of channels.
| Description | We demonstrated the feasibility, on a laboratory scale, of using an arsenic oxidising enzyme in combination with an amperometric sensor to measure arsenic in water. |
| Exploitation Route | Having shown the feasibility of the original idea of an enzyme-based amperometric sensor for arsenite we have laid the groundwork for commercialization of the device. |
| Sectors | Agriculture, Food and Drink,Environment,Healthcare,Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology |
| Description | Having demonstrated the feasibility of sensing arsenic with our enzyme electrodes, and by developing a feasible business plan for the exploitation of the technology the route to scale-up and deployment has been laid out. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2013 |
| Sector | Environment |
| Impact Types | Societal,Economic |
| Description | SuperFoF |
| Amount | £528,417 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 05/2014 |
| End | 04/2016 |
| Description | Development Partnership |
| Organisation | Bionano Consulting Ltd |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | The research was initiated and proven by my team and then the technology transferred to the collaborators. We also supplied know how and materials. Subsequently the partner spun out a new company (AquAffirm Ltd) to pursue further exploitation opportunities |
| Collaborator Contribution | Our partners established commercial links with collaborating companies and research organisations overseas as potential end users. |
| Impact | The collaboration has enabled our partners to successfully win InnovateUK funding to continue the commercialisation activities |
| Start Year | 2015 |
| Title | MODIFIED ARSENITE OXIDASE AND A BIOSENSOR FOR DETECTING ARSENITE |
| Description | The present invention provides an arsenite oxidase enzyme modified to prevent translocation by modification of a translocation signal sequence. A microorganism modified to express the heterologous arsenite oxidase enzyme is also provided by the invention, together with a device for detecting the presence of arsenite in a sample. |
| IP Reference | US2014238857 |
| Protection | Patent granted |
| Year Protection Granted | 2014 |
| Licensed | No |
| Impact | The asignee was able to win further funding from InnovateUK for commercial development |
| Company Name | AquAffirm Ltd |
| Description | The company was spun out from BioNano Consulting Ltd to give a greater focus on the arsenic sensing development. It is currentlly fund raising to scale up manufacture of sensing devices for water borne toxins |
| Year Established | 2018 |
| Impact | None as yet |
| Description | Invited Lecture at SciEx 2018 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | An invited lecture at Sciex2018 in Reno USA |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
| Description | Invited Talks (PI) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Invited lecture at Bangalore India Nano Conference and subsequently met interested researchers and journalists |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| URL | http://www.bangaloreindianano.in |
| Description | School Entry Talk |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | The talk was part of an Imperial College Open Day and was designed the show the breadth of research activity in a Chemistry Department is much greater than 'traditional' chemistry Pupils and parents asked about interdisciplinary teaching in Chemistry degrees |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
| Description | Sensors in the Environment Talk |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Participants in your research and patient groups |
| Results and Impact | Talk generated a lot of interest in the audience After the talk there was discussions on using aptamers in environmental analysis in other areas with other analyses. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |