Microsaic Systems plc announced that it has reached non-binding heads of terms with Aptamer Group plc for the development of Optimer binders to be used for the detection of pathogens of serious concern to public health that can be found in water. A Covid-19 virus Optimer had previously been developed and integrated into the prototype pathogen detector built by the Company and successful trials have taken place. Optimer binders are short, single-stranded DNA or RNA molecules that can act as an antibody alternative to bind a particular target with high affinity and specificity, including proteins, peptides, carbohydrates, small molecules, toxins, and even live cells.

Their versatility is a function of the way in which they are developed via highly controlled lab-based methods, without the use of animals. Under the terms of the Agreement, Aptamer will develop a new set of binders to target and detect named pathogens, which can be deployed to test for multiple common water borne pathogens in the adapted pathogen detector. A positive Optimer-to-pathogen binding event will be trigger a system alarm.

The new pathogen detector will be further developed by the Company from existing prototypes to work in real time with online water sampling and multiplex Optimer testing capability, giving a rapid alarm response within minutes if a targeted pathogen is detected. It is expected that pathogens such as E. coli, cholera, cryptosporidium, legionella and norovirus (amongst others) will be quickly detected in situ (at the point of testing), avoiding the delays associated with laboratory testing methods. The compact pathogen detector will, if required, be capable of being moved into a van and transported to different points of need.

The Company will be reviewing its capital requirements to allocate share of funds to complete this project and are also in discussions with potential additional partners to help bring this project to commerciality.