A low-cost pathogen detection system is proposed comprising an incubator-reader unit as well as a low-cost consumable paper-based indicator test strip.

Food safety is a global problem, which costs the world billions of dollars and over a million lives annually. This project seeks to develop a complete system for easy pathogenic bacteria detection for the food supply chain. The proposed kit will deliver exceptional ease-of-use as well as performance metrics (time, cost, labor). By delivering a complete pathogen detection solution, the kit will enable more testing locations and a higher frequency of testing. In addition, the kit is designed to be low-cost from the beginning so entire new segments of food processors may adopt the technology where currently it is not economically feasible to do so, such as rural fruit and vegetable producers that operate only seasonally. A safer food supply chain protects those who suffer the most from foodborne illness outbreaks such as the elderly and small children. Commercial applications of the technology will find a global customer base as current laboratory microbiology tests are cumbersome, expensive and time consuming. Additionally, the products will feature technology integration capability to support Laboratory Information Management Systems thus enabling food safety data to be widely disseminated and part of a modern tracking and traceability system.The technology proposed by AST will support several of the USDA strategic goals. Low-cost pathogen detection enables American agricultural success by reducing food safety risk to small co-operatives and independent rural operators. The ultimate goal of a low-cost product that can ensure greater food safety supports USDA strategic goals one, three, and for as outlined in the USDA Strategic Plan.