LONDON: Aptamer Group plc (AIM: APTA), the developer of novel Optimer® binders to enable innovation in the life sciences industry, announced a partnership with Microsaic Systems plc to develop a panel of Optimer binders for integration into a water testing system.

Microsaic has recently purchased the Microtox® water testing system. Earlier work with Aptamer’s COVID-19 Optimer binders and this water testing system showed successful integration and function of the Optimer in the pathogen detector and superior detection performance compared to alternative affinity ligands, such as Affimers.

Successful trials have previously taken place using the Optimer-enabled pathogen detectors for COVID-19 within the UK wastewater system. Following the Microtox® acquisition, Microsaic intends to further develop the device to commerciality using a panel of Optimer binders that specifically detect several major waterborne pathogens.

Aptamer has reached Heads of Terms with Microsaic for the development of a panel of Optimer binders to advance the water testing system. Aptamer Group will develop a number of new Optimer binders to common waterborne pathogens, such as E.coli, Cholera, Cryptosporidium, Legionella and Norovirus. Following development, the binders will be available for integration into the water pathogen detectors for the rapid and sensitive detection of multiple pathogens of serious concern to public health.

This continuous water testing solution will allow the detection of pathogens in real-time, without delays associated with sending samples for laboratory-based testing, and has shown to be simply integrated with nationwide water systems for early detection of potential infections.

Dr Arron Tolley, Chief Technical Officer of Aptamer Group, said: “We are pleased to work with Microsaic and support their development of the water testing system. Applying the pathogen detector within national water systems could help prevent disease outbreaks by rapidly identifying specific hotspots. The robust nature of Optimer binders means that they can work within tests as diverse as lab-based diagnostics and environmental water monitoring. Previous work has demonstrated that Optimer binders allow highly sensitive pathogen detection in the wastewater testing system, and we are pleased to build on this with the new team at Microsaic as they advance the platform to commerciality. “

Bob Moore, Acting Executive Chairman of Microsaic, commented: “We are delighted to have reached agreement with Aptamer Group plc to manufacture new Optimers® and co-operate on the final development of our multi-Pathogen Detector which was a project initially developed by the Company. A device capable of  multi-pathogen rapid detection capability is an acute need for online and fast response water testing and safety measures. We look forward to working with our partners to implement our wider objectives of growth and business development, to complete targeted projects to build value both for investors and our partners.”

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