SWIFTR Biosensor Market Research demonstrates a need for rapid on-site pathogen testing.
Background to the Market Research
As part of the technical and commercial development plan for the SWIFTR biosensor, a programme of market research has been carried out with a range of experts in the food processing and food safety industries. This qualitative research took the form of telephone interviews and a structured discussion about current testing protocols for pathogens and an evaluation of the new SWIFTR biosensor. The main purpose of the research was to better understand the challenges that pathogens pose within different stages of the food supply chain, the market relevance of the SWIFTR biosensor as a method of testing for these pathogens as well as indictors for the direction of the biosensor’s future technical development.
The SWIFTR biosensor is a highly specific and accurate diagnostic solution for the identification of pathogens, using a combination of CRISPR and lateral flow technologies. The tests are simple to use, and results are available in less than an hour, removing the need to send samples away to off-site laboratories.
The market research initially focussed on testing for Salmonella within the poultry supply chain, but it quickly became evident that there are applications for the SWIFTR biosensor beyond testing for Salmonella. Indeed, one of the findings from the market research, was the clear need for rapid, on-site tests for other pathogenic bacteria, with Listeria identified as a particularly relevant target.
Research respondents
Research respondents were drawn from across the target territories of Brazil, the UK and the US and included experts in public health and infectious diseases, animal nutrition consultants, agri-data consultants, abattoir and cutting plants managers, veterinary services directors and food safety consultants.
The main findings
Respondents in the research reacted positively to the concept of a rapid diagnostic test.
Rapid testing for serovars was viewed as an advantage over current testing methods. These rapid tests were described as “the holy grail” for the food industry, particularly if they can be carried out in situ and therefore where corrective action can be taken as a result.
The speed of the test and the practical and commercial advantages that would result were regarded as very important characteristics as the quotes from Poultry Managers based in the US demonstrate.
“So, the ideal characteristics of a diagnostic tool such as this would need to be having a quick result. This seems to be an advantage. Also being very accurate.”
“If I know my answer today, I can start working on fixing it today.”
Poultry vets were equally positive about the opportunity to see results quickly. “People are interested in finding out what is happening there and then rather than waiting days to find out.”
And from a farm data management business, “I think the speed is fantastic. It's quick. It's simple. Gives you a yes, no.”
The SWIFTR biosensor was seen to have advantages over other tests as SWIFTR can be used by anyone, without the need for specialised training. Given that the trend in some poultry production plants is towards transient teams deployed to farms as needed, this would be a definite advantage over current tests.
A UK based public health expert supported this view. “Being a simple test is an advantage as there is a challenge getting people to run tests so the simpler the better.”
Because the SWIFTR biosensor is capable of detection of very small amounts of pathogenic strains, early diagnosis of a problem at start of the supply chain and on farms is beneficial. This was supported by a UK based abattoir manager “The real fight against Salmonella must be on the farm as if it isn’t on the farm, it won’t be in the cutting plant.”
Recalls of stock that have already been sent out to a retailer and that have received a positive result are damaging in more ways than one. The UK based cutting plant manager was keen to highlight the impact that this can have. “The true cost is not so much in terms of the value of the product but the damage it does to the reputation/brand of the producer.”
There was significant interest in rapid diagnostic tests for several other pathogens alongside Salmonella in the poultry industry as well as in other parts of food industry, for example ready meals and chilled foods (Listeria), infant formula (Salmonella, Listeria), Chocolate (Salmonella) as well as in water systems used in food processing plants ( E.coli, Clostridium, Pseudomonas).
One food safety consultant believed that rapid on-site tests could support the food safety practices at a factory level. “This could help to keep a factory Listeria free. So as targeted surveillance or early warning systems”
Versatility and adaptability of the technology was regarded as another benefit of the SWIFTR biosensor by UK vets and public health experts. “There is an understanding that new bacterial strains will develop so will need an approach that covers all bases.”
Next steps
The market research has confirmed that there is a definite need for the type of new technology offered by the SWIFTR biosensor. The simplicity of the test and the challenges that pathogens such as Salmonella and Listeria present makes SWIFTR accessible and practical at every stage of the food supply chain.
Now with the benefit of the results from this market research, the team working on the SWIFTR biosensor not only have the confidence that they are working on a product with genuine market relevance but can see the direction they need to take for the next steps in technical development.