Sunday, October 15, 2017

University Scientists Partnering with University of Antwerp Develop New Technology and Weapon in the Fight Against Antibiotic Resistance

The problem of 'anti-microbial resistance' is a

continuous concern due to the presence of antibiotics in waste water generated, for example, by agricultural work or hospital waste materials.  The detection of trace amounts of antibiotics remains a challenge with numerous industries calling for new and easier ways to use sensors.
An international scientific partnership led by Professor Karolien De Wael of the University of Antwerp, Belgium, and Professor Sergiu M. Gorun of Seton Hall University just uncovered an elegant solution: the combination of light from a laser pointer and an engineered sensor strip measuring approximately one inch. This sensor detects nano-level concentrations of selected antibiotics.