Real time detection and management antibiotic residues in milk

Antimicrobial drugs, such as antibiotics, are widely used in farming to treat a range of diseases caused by microorganisms. On dairy farms, there is a high risk that milk contaminated with antimicrobial residues contaminates the bulk storage tank and therefore milk destined for commercial use. Contaminated milk can no longer be sold resulting in large financial losses across the supply chain. Additionally, contaminated milk is disposed of in the environment, dispersing antimicrobials and potentially accelerating the emergence of antimicrobial resistance. The tests currently used to screen milk for antimicrobial residues are expensive or time consuming and only detect a limited range of residues. Furthermore, no technology currently exists that can monitor milking in real time and automatically preventing contamination of the bulk tank. The technology that will be developed through this PhD studentship will revolutionise real time monitoring of milk through the development of a smart inline sensor for the detection of antimicrobial residues (figure 1).
This project results from a collaboration with the University of the West of Scotland in response to discussions with the Agricultural and Horticultural Development Board, National Farmers Union Scotland and the Scottish Dairy Hub. We also have the involvement of Graham's Family Dairy, as a key collaborator in the project, capable of providing essential in-kind support and industry insight. Together, this collaboration will deliver an industry focused technology with the capability to improve productivity, increase confidence of supply and reduce risk carried by farms and diaries.
The studentship will focus upon the development of low cost printed sensors, combined with electrochemical techniques to create a fully integrated sensor and instrument, capable of identifying the presence of antimicrobial residues within milk. Molecularly Imprinted polymers (MIPs) will be developed and used as the basis to transduce the presence of antimicrobial residues into a measurable, monitored signal which can actuate a diversion valve to prevent bulk tank contamination. MIPs are attractive for this application because they can be produced at low cost, do not have cold chain storage requirements and are highly sensitive for the target analyte. The instrument used in conjunction with the sensor has already been prototyped and can be manufactured for under £5. We will combine this with a consumable sensor, produced for under £1.
The project represents an excellent development opportunity for the PhD candidate, who will gain valuable experience at the interface between research and industry. The results and outcomes of the project will be used as a basis to apply for large commercialisation grants, such as innovateUK, ultimately to deliver commercial solutions. Our partnership includes the University of the West of Scotland, who are industry facing and have a strong network to deliver bench top and farm prototypes of the system.