Invisible Sentinel develops custom assay for Silliker
In a couple of months the firm has developed, validated, and delivered a custom assay to Silliker but would not say how it has been customised.
The decision to adopt Veriflow follows validation studies of the assay by Silliker.
Assay development
Nick Siciliano, CEO of Invisible Sentinel, said previous work with Silliker includes validating its Salmonella species assay for AOAC approval.
“One of our primary strengths is to develop new assays expeditiously. We put significant emphasis on this project and we were able to provide initial prototypes in less than two months,” he told FoodQualityNews.
“The performance criteria for this assay were complex and required us to overcome several technical challenges, the most significant being to function in an uncharacteristically wide variety of contexts.”
The patented Veriflow system combines real-time PCR tests with vertical-flow-based diagnostics to minimize sample preparation, speed time to results and provide data for the end user.
Adapting Veriflow technology
The assay was created through Invisible Sentinel’s Custom Solutions Program, which adapts Veriflow technology to individual client needs.
It has led to assays for industries including winemaking, brewing and food-spoilage organisms.
The program is unique to each project but has some basic characteristics, said Siciliano.
“We typically start with a consultation phase where we collect all of the information regarding the performance criteria of the assay and its applications. We then perform a feasibility assessment to ensure we can deliver the assay.
“Once we're confident the project is feasible, we commence the development phase and follow that with prototype, manufacturing, and validation phases.”
Upon successful validation, the assay is commercialized to the respective industry or sold exclusively to the development partner, he said.
“We currently have an exciting custom solution pipeline and we receive new inquiries on a regular basis. We would like to take every project because as scientists, we love a challenge.
“However, we are committed to ensuring that our clients' needs and expectations are met so we are careful not to exceed our bandwidth when selecting opportunities.”
Siciliano said food and beverage will remain a core focus but it is exploring opportunities in environmental pathogens, veterinary care, and clinical/pharma applications.
“We have several spoilage organism tests in the pipeline as well as quantitative tests for Campylobacter and Salmonella," he said.
“The custom solution program has provided us a unique business opportunity to introduce our technology into new markets. We've capitalized on opportunities in wine and beer spoilage, and will expand our product portfolios for each industry this year.”
