RRF Phase II Acceleration of beverage spoilage yeast test to market

Principal Investigator: Connell, Laurie

Partners: Maine Technology Institute

Abstract: Our handheld, point-of-use (POU) instrument will provide the only near-instantaneous solution to detect certain environmental microbes from complex matrices with minimal sample preparation. The system is based on prior-art developed at UMaine funded through Federal, State, and Private sources. The initial target application is the detection of spoilage yeasts during wine or beer production, which provides an exceedingly attractive opportunity to commercialize this device. We have two strong private partners, Constellation Consortium (CC), as an end user, and Maine-based Beacon Analytical Systems (BAS) as a kit manufacturing and distribution partner. Potential sales for the wine spoilage yeast detection are estimated at $1million globally within five years. The prototype employs a new detection scheme that is ~200x more sensitive than previous methods and has the added benefit of using fewer reagents. An additional and highly desirable quality is discrimination between live-dead organisms, critical for wine and beer production management. The project requires further assistance in the steps to move toward market and production. This project will focus on 1) determination of appropriate licensing agreements; 2) test and assign appropriate disposable kit components; 3) develop supply streams; 4) determine kit price; 5) build prototype (already designed) for Beta testing; 6) Complete paperwork required for patent submission. Work 1-3 will be done in coordination with BAS.