A device for quickly detecting foodborne pathogens in the food supply chain
Official title: Polarization Metasurface Detection Device for Food Safety
Funded at Nanohmics, INC. · NIH-10710045 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new, easy-to-use device called MetaDot that helps quickly and accurately check food for harmful germs, making it safer for everyone to eat.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Nanohmics, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Austin, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2020 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $207,723 |
| NIH project number | 5R44FD006910-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10710045 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals involved in the food supply chain, including farmers, food processors, and distributors who need to ensure the safety of their products.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not involved in the food supply chain or who do not consume food products that may be contaminated will likely not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a portable and cost-effective biosensor called MetaDot, which can rapidly and accurately screen for foodborne pathogens throughout the food supply chain. The device uses a custom optical metasurface test chip that contains multiple bioreceptor regions to detect various pathogens simultaneously. By exposing the biosensor chip to food samples, the MetaDot reader measures pathogen binding using polarized light, providing results quickly and efficiently. This technology aims to enhance food safety by enabling faster testing and identification of harmful pathogens.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve food safety by allowing for rapid detection of foodborne pathogens, potentially reducing foodborne illnesses.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success with similar biosensor technologies for pathogen detection, indicating a promising approach in enhancing food safety.
Where this research is happening
-
Nanohmics, INC.
Austin, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lucente, Mark E. — Nanohmics, INC.
- Study coordinator: Lucente, Mark E.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.