US-based Life Technologies Corporation has acquired UK-based Matrix MicroScience, a manufacturer of automated sample preparation systems for the food testing sector.
No financial details were disclosed.
Matrix MicroScience’s main development, the Pathatrix Auto system, is designed to isolate a variety of pathogens, including Salmonella, E.coli O157:H7, Listeria, Cronobacter and Camylobacter.
This technology can be used in conjunction with reagent kits – including the new owner’s portfolio of PCR-based detection analysers.
Fast results, no drop in quality
Life Technologies hope the complementary technology will help reduce the cost of testing by more than 50% and speed up time to results by hours or days – ultimately lowering industry holding costs.
Company vice president and food safety general manager Nir Nimrodi told FoodQualityNews.com that through the acquisition it has added to its foodborne pathogen detection abilities.
“We believe that the acquisition and the combination of technology will enable us to provide the fastest results without a drop in standards or quality,” Nimrodi said.
“Matrix MicroScience has developed and is selling the Pathatrix Auto – which at the moment is the only system sold globally that isolates and concentrates target bacteria in food samples.”
“We chose to partner with them as their developments complement ours.”
Testing time cut
The Pathatrix Auto enables the fully automated capture, concentration and the clean-up of samples within 15 minutes. The beads are then immediately ready for use with a variety of detection methods – including PCR.
“Salmonella testing on beef can take around 14-15 hours in total. By combining our technology with the Matrix MicroScience system, that testing time can be shrunk to more like 7 hours.”
“Through our partnership, total cost and time for the customer can be significantly reduced.”
Matrix Micro Science CEO Dr. Adrian Parton MBE said, “It is a good fit for both organisations and ultimately benefits our customers.”