Development Toward Commercialization of a Rapid Test for Beverage Spoilage Yeasts
PI: Laurie Connell (Marine Sciences, UMaine)
Sector: Food Science
Partners: Beacon Analytical Systems, Constellation Consortium
Abstract: Our handheld, point-of-use 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. We have completed experiments and market research that must be accomplished before market consideration and commercialization. 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. 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.