Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference:	TS/I001921/1
Title:	Detection of ESBL Producing organisms using RASLA
Principal Investigator:	Hall, Professor EAH
Other Investigators:	Hutchings, Professor I Peacock, Professor S
Researcher Co-Investigators:	Dr GD Martin
Project Partners:
Department:	Institute of Biotechnology
Organisation:	University of Cambridge
Scheme:	Technology Programme
Starts:	01 October 2010	Ends:	30 September 2013	Value (£):	1,010,103
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:	Analytical Science Med.Instrument.Device& Equip.
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:	Healthcare
Related Grants:
Panel History:
Summary on Grant Application Form
ESBLs are beta-lactamases secreted by certain infecting bacteria. They confer bacterial resistance to many of the most common antiobiotics, which are lactam-based. These bacteria have become endemic in many hospitals throughout the world leading to infection spread and bed or ward closure. With appropriate infection control measures and appropriate antibiotic intervention, outbreaks of ESBL producing bacteria could be halted or even prevented if earlier warning was achieved. This project introduces a hybrid technology to create a customizable (at point of manufacture) microfluidic test platform for point of care (PoC) use. This uses a novel approach to the direct detection of beta-lactamase which we call Raman amplified substrate-linked assay (RASLA). The project spans the basic research to identify and develop the assay reagents to the test-strip manufacture and clinical trials in a large hospital environment. Identification of the bacterial strain will not be addressed, but, unlike some DNA based systems, even 'new' ESBL mutations will produce positive results, within timeframes that make routine screening viable and cost-effective. While the project is specifically targeted at ESBL producers, the methods employed are more general and can be applied to several other infectious disease applications - significantly leveraging the investment and business model.
Key Findings
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Potential use in non-academic contexts
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Impacts
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Sectors submitted by the Researcher
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Project URL:
Further Information:
Organisation Website:	http://www.cam.ac.uk