Pathogenic bacteria are increasingly acquiring antibiotic resistance and new forms of resistance are continuously emerging; upwards of 50% of treatments are started with the wrong antibiotics. Current culture-based Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (AST) methods are time-consuming and can incorrectly identify an effective antibiotic. Researchers in Joost Vlassak’s lab have developed a system based on calorimetry to measure microbial heat flow and track bacterial infections with considerably greater sensitivity than commercial AST systems.

The technology promises to determine functional dosage, perform in-parallel testing of multiple antibacterial agents in less than one hour, and is considered ‘future-proofed’ against new and emerging infections. The lab is seeking funding to demonstrate applicability across a broader range of bacteria and treatments and to develop an advanced prototype. The ultimate goal is the launch of a startup company.