Protocol development for rapid detection of bacterial contamination in liquid consumer products using light scattering.

Rapid detection of bacterial contamination in consumer goods is essential from both a commercial and legal standpoint. In particular hygeine and dairy products in liquid form are vulnerable to such contamination, making it necessary to frequently test production batches in a way that usually delays product shipment until the results are known. The study will develop systems and protocols based on recent developments in optical detection and fibre optics. Its overall aim will be to reduce the turnaround time of test results from days to hours. If successful the outcome will find applications in many areas of fast moving consumer good manufacturing.