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Centrifugal microfluidics has undergone a massive growth surge over the past 15 years, evident by the number of comprehensive reviews currently available, with special regard towards Lab-On-A-Disc (LOAD) diagnostic solutions.1–3 The potential of a LOAD system is dependent on its ability to mimic the specific laboratory protocols with which are required to conduct sample-to-answer analysis. This would include sample handling and manipulation (such as mixing and separation), sample modification (including heating and redox reactions), as well as reaction detection (such as optical, electrochemical, or as required by user). Optical detection strategies on LOAD platforms has been largely successful in both the fields of biological and chemical sensing.4 Herein, will demonstrate the optical optimisations which were carried out on a biological fluorescent-based5 and a chemical absorbance-based6 LOAD detection platforms. This will include the identification and optimisation of LED-photodiode selection, the effects of detection orientation and pathway-length fluorophore selection. Also covered will be a comparison between the microfluidic architecture for incorporating either detection methods as well as their reported limits of detection.

Centrifugal microfluidics has undergone a massive growth surge over the past 15 years, evident by the number of comprehensive reviews currently available, with special regard towards Lab-On-A-Disc (LOAD) diagnostic solutions.1–3 The potential of a LOAD system is dependent on its ability to mimic the specific laboratory protocols with which are required to conduct sample-to-answer analysis. This would include sample handling and manipulation (such as mixing and separation), sample modification (including heating and redox reactions), as well as reaction detection (such as optical, electrochemical, or as required by user). Optical detection strategies on LOAD platforms has been largely successful in both the fields of biological and chemical sensing.4 Herein, will demonstrate the optical optimisations which were carried out on a biological fluorescent-based5 and a chemical absorbance-based6 LOAD detection platforms. This will include the identification and optimisation of LED-photodiode selection, the effects of detection orientation and pathway-length fluorophore selection. Also covered will be a comparison between the microfluidic architecture for incorporating either detection methods as well as their reported limits of detection.

Centrifugal microfluidics has undergone a massive growth surge over the past 15 years, evident by the number of comprehensive reviews currently available, with special regard towards Lab-On-A-Disc (LOAD) diagnostic solutions.1–3 The potential of a LOAD system is dependent on its ability to mimic the specific laboratory protocols with which are required to conduct sample-to-answer analysis. This would include sample handling and manipulation (such as mixing and separation), sample modification (including heating and redox reactions), as well as reaction detection (such as optical, electrochemical, or as required by user). Optical detection strategies on LOAD platforms has been largely successful in both the fields of biological and chemical sensing.4 Herein, will demonstrate the optical optimisations which were carried out on a biological fluorescent-based5 and a chemical absorbance-based6 LOAD detection platforms. This will include the identification and optimisation of LED-photodiode selection, the effects of detection orientation and pathway-length fluorophore selection. Also covered will be a comparison between the microfluidic architecture for incorporating either detection methods as well as their reported limits of detection.

Centrifugal microfluidics has undergone a massive growth surge over the past 15 years, evident by the number of comprehensive reviews currently available, with special regard towards Lab-On-A-Disc (LOAD) diagnostic solutions.1–3 The potential of a LOAD system is dependent on its ability to mimic the specific laboratory protocols with which are required to conduct sample-to-answer analysis. This would include sample handling and manipulation (such as mixing and separation), sample modification (including heating and redox reactions), as well as reaction detection (such as optical, electrochemical, or as required by user). Optical detection strategies on LOAD platforms has been largely successful in both the fields of biological and chemical sensing.4 Herein, will demonstrate the optical optimisations which were carried out on a biological fluorescent-based5 and a chemical absorbance-based6 LOAD detection platforms. This will include the identification and optimisation of LED-photodiode selection, the effects of detection orientation and pathway-length fluorophore selection. Also covered will be a comparison between the microfluidic architecture for incorporating either detection methods as well as their reported limits of detection.

Centrifugal microfluidics has undergone a massive growth surge over the past 15 years, evident by the number of comprehensive reviews currently available, with special regard towards Lab-On-A-Disc (LOAD) diagnostic solutions.1–3 The potential of a LOAD system is dependent on its ability to mimic the specific laboratory protocols with which are required to conduct sample-to-answer analysis. This would include sample handling and manipulation (such as mixing and separation), sample modification (including heating and redox reactions), as well as reaction detection (such as optical, electrochemical, or as required by user). Optical detection strategies on LOAD platforms has been largely successful in both the fields of biological and chemical sensing.4 Herein, will demonstrate the optical optimisations which were carried out on a biological fluorescent-based5 and a chemical absorbance-based6 LOAD detection platforms. This will include the identification and optimisation of LED-photodiode selection, the effects of detection orientation and pathway-length fluorophore selection. Also covered will be a comparison between the microfluidic architecture for incorporating either detection methods as well as their reported limits of detection.

Centrifugal microfluidics has undergone a massive growth surge over the past 15 years, evident by the number of comprehensive reviews currently available, with special regard towards Lab-On-A-Disc (LOAD) diagnostic solutions.1–3 The potential of a LOAD system is dependent on its ability to mimic the specific laboratory protocols with which are required to conduct sample-to-answer analysis. This would include sample handling and manipulation (such as mixing and separation), sample modification (including heating and redox reactions), as well as reaction detection (such as optical, electrochemical, or as required by user). Optical detection strategies on LOAD platforms has been largely successful in both the fields of biological and chemical sensing.4 Herein, will demonstrate the optical optimisations which were carried out on a biological fluorescent-based5 and a chemical absorbance-based6 LOAD detection platforms. This will include the identification and optimisation of LED-photodiode selection, the effects of detection orientation and pathway-length fluorophore selection. Also covered will be a comparison between the microfluidic architecture for incorporating either detection methods as well as their reported limits of detection.

Cyclic peptide cyanobacterial toxins, in particular Microcystis aeruginosa, pose a serious health risk to humans and animals alike [1], [2]. Occurring mostly in fresh and brackish water, they have been identified to cause cancer promotion and liver damage [3]. Herein, we describe a portable, microfluidic-based system for in-situ detection of algal toxins in fresh water. The technology development presented here is a fully integrated and portable sample-to-answer centrifugal microfluidics-based system for the detection of toxic cyanobacteria – Microcystin-LR in fresh water. Our unique system employs highly-specific recombinant chicken anti-microcystin antibodies, prepared in-house, with a 3D-printed ‘LASER-photo¬diode’ fluorescent detection technique, also developed in-house. The system has high analytical specificity and sensitivity for detection of toxins below the regulatory limit with intra/inter day coefficient of variation of less than 20%. Dissolvable-film based valving technique was used for flow actuation and integration of multiple assays on the centrifugal cartridge. This new approach forms the basis of a cost efficient, USB-controlled water quality monitoring system. Technically, this integrated system consists of two components; a microfluidic disc (figure 1.A), the disc-holder fabricated and assembled from a 3D-printed casing, with electronic components housed in device. The 5-layered microfluidic disc consists of five reservoirs (figure 1.B), each with a separate venti-lation, aligned radially with inter-connected microchannels. A competitive immunoassay format is utilised to detect free toxin (figure 1.C). Sensitivity, reproducibility and ease-of-use are key features of this monitoring device. The ‘top-down’ optical detection system has been modified for improved detection sensitivity, as well as the elimination of external noise.

Cyclic peptide cyanobacterial toxins, in particular Microcystis aeruginosa, pose a serious health risk to humans and animals alike [1], [2]. Occurring mostly in fresh and brackish water, they have been identified to cause cancer promotion and liver damage [3]. Herein, we describe a portable, microfluidic-based system for in-situ detection of algal toxins in fresh water. The technology development presented here is a fully integrated and portable sample-to-answer centrifugal microfluidics-based system for the detection of toxic cyanobacteria – Microcystin-LR in fresh water. Our unique system employs highly-specific recombinant chicken anti-microcystin antibodies, prepared in-house, with a 3D-printed ‘LASER-photo¬diode’ fluorescent detection technique, also developed in-house. The system has high analytical specificity and sensitivity for detection of toxins below the regulatory limit with intra/inter day coefficient of variation of less than 20%. Dissolvable-film based valving technique was used for flow actuation and integration of multiple assays on the centrifugal cartridge. This new approach forms the basis of a cost efficient, USB-controlled water quality monitoring system. Technically, this integrated system consists of two components; a microfluidic disc (figure 1.A), the disc-holder fabricated and assembled from a 3D-printed casing, with electronic components housed in device. The 5-layered microfluidic disc consists of five reservoirs (figure 1.B), each with a separate venti-lation, aligned radially with inter-connected microchannels. A competitive immunoassay format is utilised to detect free toxin (figure 1.C). Sensitivity, reproducibility and ease-of-use are key features of this monitoring device. The ‘top-down’ optical detection system has been modified for improved detection sensitivity, as well as the elimination of external noise.

Cyclic peptide cyanobacterial toxins, in particular Microcystis aeruginosa, pose a serious health risk to humans and animals alike [1], [2]. Occurring mostly in fresh and brackish water, they have been identified to cause cancer promotion and liver damage [3]. Herein, we describe a portable, microfluidic-based system for in-situ detection of algal toxins in fresh water. The technology development presented here is a fully integrated and portable sample-to-answer centrifugal microfluidics-based system for the detection of toxic cyanobacteria – Microcystin-LR in fresh water. Our unique system employs highly-specific recombinant chicken anti-microcystin antibodies, prepared in-house, with a 3D-printed ‘LASER-photo¬diode’ fluorescent detection technique, also developed in-house. The system has high analytical specificity and sensitivity for detection of toxins below the regulatory limit with intra/inter day coefficient of variation of less than 20%. Dissolvable-film based valving technique was used for flow actuation and integration of multiple assays on the centrifugal cartridge. This new approach forms the basis of a cost efficient, USB-controlled water quality monitoring system. Technically, this integrated system consists of two components; a microfluidic disc (figure 1.A), the disc-holder fabricated and assembled from a 3D-printed casing, with electronic components housed in device. The 5-layered microfluidic disc consists of five reservoirs (figure 1.B), each with a separate venti-lation, aligned radially with inter-connected microchannels. A competitive immunoassay format is utilised to detect free toxin (figure 1.C). Sensitivity, reproducibility and ease-of-use are key features of this monitoring device. The ‘top-down’ optical detection system has been modified for improved detection sensitivity, as well as the elimination of external noise.

Globally, the most prevalent cyanobacterial toxins, in blooms from fresh and brackish waters, are the cyclic peptide toxins of the microcystin family. The need for on-site algal-toxin monitoring has become increasingly urgent due to the amplified demand for fresh-water and for safe, ‘toxinfree’ shellfish and fish stocks. Along with routine testing of shellfish stocks for biotoxins including microcystin, the EU also require routine monitoring for the presence of the causative algal species. Herein, we describe a novel, Lab-On-A-Disc (LOAD) platform which has been developed to assess microcystin toxin levels in-situ. Using recombinant antibody technology, the LOAD platform combines immunofluorescence with centrifugally driven microfluidic liquid handling to achieve a next-generation disposable device for high throughput sampling. A low-complexity, ‘LED-Photodiode’ based optical sensing system was tailor-made for the system, which allows the fluorescence signal of the microcystin-specific reaction to be quantified. This system can rapidly and accurately detect the presence of microcystin in less than 10 minutes with minimum user interaction and maximum reproducibility. This method provides a low cost diagnostic alternative to the current laborious and costly methods used for toxin monitoring.

Cyclic peptide cyanobacterial toxins, in particular Microcystis aeruginosa, pose a serious health risk to humans and animals alike [1], [2]. Occurring mostly in fresh and brackish water, they have been identified to cause cancer promotion and liver damage [3]. Herein, we describe a portable, microfluidic-based system for in-situ detection of algal toxins in fresh water. The Atalanta system is a novel, portable and sample-to-answer platform for the detection of toxic cyanobacteria – Microcystin-LR in fresh water. Atalanta utilises the partnership of highly-specific recombinant chicken anti-microcystin antibodies, prepared in-house, with a 3D-printed ‘LASER-photo¬diode’ fluorescent detection method, also developed in-house. A competitive immunoassay format is utilised to detect free toxin. Furthermore, dissolvable-film (DF) based flow-actuation facilitates full assay inte¬gration. This new approach will form the basis of a cost efficient, USB-controlled water quality monitoring system. The Atalanta detection system consists of two components; the microfluidic Atalanta disc and the disc-holder. The Atalanta disc-holder was fabricated and assembled from a 3D-printed casing, with electronic components housed in device. The 5-layered microfluidic disc consists of five reservoirs, each with a separate venti¬lation, aligned radially with inter-connected microchannels. Each reservoir represents a functional assay step. First, microcystin conjugate is coated to the functionalised surface of the reservoir 3 prior to assembling the disc. A freshwater sample in reservoir 1 is pre-incubated with recombinant antibodies labelled with fluorophore (Alexa 647) in reservoir 2. This is then spun into reservoir 3 for detection through a competitive immunoassay using Microcystin-LR. Low fluorescence signal indicates high Microcystin-LR concentration in the sample.

Globally, the most prevalent cyanobacterial toxins, in blooms from fresh and brackish waters, are the cyclic peptide toxins of the microcystin family. The need for on-site algal-toxin monitoring has become increasingly urgent due to the amplified demand for fresh-water and for safe, ‘toxinfree’ shellfish and fish stocks. Along with routine testing of shellfish stocks for biotoxins including microcystin, the EU also require routine monitoring for the presence of the causative algal species. Herein, we describe a novel, Lab-On-A-Disc (LOAD) platform which has been developed to assess microcystin toxin levels in-situ. Using recombinant antibody technology, the LOAD platform combines immunofluorescence with centrifugally driven microfluidic liquid handling to achieve a next-generation disposable device for high throughput sampling. A low-complexity, ‘LED-Photodiode’ based optical sensing system was tailor-made for the system, which allows the fluorescence signal of the microcystin-specific reaction to be quantified. This system can rapidly and accurately detect the presence of microcystin in less than 10 minutes with minimum user interaction and maximum reproducibility. This method provides a low cost diagnostic alternative to the current laborious and costly methods used for toxin monitoring.

Globally, the most prevalent cyanobacterial toxins, in blooms from fresh and brackish waters, are the cyclic peptide toxins of the microcystin family. The need for on-site algal-toxin monitoring has become increasingly urgent due to the amplified demand for fresh-water and for safe, ‘toxin-free’ shellfish and fish stocks. Along with routine testing of shellfish stocks for biotoxins including microcystin, the EU also require routine monitoring for the presence of the causative algal species. Herein, we describe a novel, Lab-On-A-Disc (LOAD) platform which has been developed to assess microcystin toxin levels in-situ. Using recombinant antibody technology, the LOAD platform combines immunofluorescence with centrifugally driven microfluidic liquid handling to achieve a next-generation disposable device for high throughput sampling. A low-complexity, ‘LED-Photodiode’ based optical sensing system was tailor-made for the system, which allows the fluorescence signal of the microcystin-specific reaction to be quantified. This system can rapidly and accurately detect the presence of microcystin in less than 10 minutes with minimum user interaction and maximum reproducibility. This method provides a low cost diagnostic alternative to the current laborious and costly methods used for toxin monitoring.

With population growth, there is an ever-increasing requirement for fresh-water sources and safe, ‘toxin-free’ shellfish and fish stocks. To monitor these resources carefully, there is a need for the development of an in-situ algal-toxin monitoring solutions. Presented here is one of these solutions; The ToxiSense Detection system (Figure 1). This system has been designed to be as generically applicable to toxin detection as possible, with the cyanobacterial Microcystin-LR used for proof-of-concept.

Cyclic peptide cyanobacterial toxins, in particular Microcystis aeruginosa, pose a serious health risk to humans and animals alike [1], [2]. Occurring mostly in fresh and brackish water, they have been identified to cause cancer promotion and liver damage [3]. Herein, we describe a portable, microfluidic-based system for in-situ detection of algal toxins in fresh water. The Atalanta system is a novel, portable and sample-to-answer platform for the detection of toxic cyanobacteria – Microcystin-LR in fresh water. Atalanta utilises the partnership of highly-specific recombinant chicken anti-microcystin antibodies, prepared in-house, with a 3D-printed ‘LASER-photo¬diode’ fluorescent detection method, also developed in-house. A competitive immunoassay format is utilised to detect free toxin. Furthermore, dissolvable-film (DF) based flow-actuation facilitates full assay inte¬gration. This new approach will form the basis of a cost efficient, USB-controlled water quality monitoring system. The Atalanta detection system consists of two components; the microfluidic Atalanta disc and the disc-holder. The Atalanta disc-holder was fabricated and assembled from a 3D-printed casing, with electronic components housed in device. The 5-layered microfluidic disc consists of five reservoirs, each with a separate venti¬lation, aligned radially with inter-connected microchannels. Each reservoir represents a functional assay step. First, microcystin conjugate is coated to the functionalised surface of the reservoir 3 prior to assembling the disc. A freshwater sample in reservoir 1 is pre-incubated with recombinant antibodies labelled with fluorophore (Alexa 647) in reservoir 2. This is then spun into reservoir 3 for detection through a competitive immunoassay using Microcystin-LR. Low fluorescence signal indicates high Microcystin-LR concentration in the sample.

Cyclic peptide cyanobacterial toxins, in particular Microcystis aeruginosa, pose a serious health risk to humans and animals alike [1], [2]. Occurring mostly in fresh and brackish water, they have been identified to cause cancer promotion and liver damage [3]. Herein, we describe a portable, microfluidic-based system for in-situ detection of algal toxins in fresh water. The technology development presented here is a fully integrated and portable sample-to-answer centrifugal microfluidics-based system for the detection of toxic cyanobacteria – Microcystin-LR in fresh water. Our unique system employs highly-specific recombinant chicken anti-microcystin antibodies, prepared in-house, with a 3D-printed ‘LASER-photo¬diode’ fluorescent detection technique, also developed in-house. The system has high analytical specificity and sensitivity for detection of toxins below the regulatory limit with intra/inter day coefficient of variation of less than 20%. Dissolvable-film based valving technique was used for flow actuation and integration of multiple assays on the centrifugal cartridge. This new approach forms the basis of a cost efficient, USB-controlled water quality monitoring system. Technically, this integrated system consists of two components; a microfluidic disc (figure 1.A), the disc-holder fabricated and assembled from a 3D-printed casing, with electronic components housed in device. The 5-layered microfluidic disc consists of five reservoirs (figure 1.B), each with a separate venti-lation, aligned radially with inter-connected microchannels. A competitive immunoassay format is utilised to detect free toxin (figure 1.C). Sensitivity, reproducibility and ease-of-use are key features of this monitoring device. The ‘top-down’ optical detection system has been modified for improved detection sensitivity, as well as the elimination of external noise.

Globally, the most prevalent cyanobacterial toxins, in blooms from fresh and brackish waters, are the cyclic peptide toxins of the microcystin family. The need for on-site algal-toxin monitoring has become increasingly urgent due to the amplified demand for fresh-water and for safe, ‘toxinfree’ shellfish and fish stocks. Along with routine testing of shellfish stocks for biotoxins including microcystin, the EU also require routine monitoring for the presence of the causative algal species. Herein, we describe a novel, Lab-On-A-Disc (LOAD) platform which has been developed to assess microcystin toxin levels in-situ. Using recombinant antibody technology, the LOAD platform combines immunofluorescence with centrifugally driven microfluidic liquid handling to achieve a next-generation disposable device for high throughput sampling. A low-complexity, ‘LED-Photodiode’ based optical sensing system was tailor-made for the system, which allows the fluorescence signal of the microcystin-specific reaction to be quantified. This system can rapidly and accurately detect the presence of microcystin in less than 10 minutes with minimum user interaction and maximum reproducibility. This method provides a low cost diagnostic alternative to the current laborious and costly methods used for toxin monitoring.

Globally, the most prevalent cyanobacterial toxins, in blooms from fresh and brackish waters, are the cyclic peptide toxins of the microcystin family. The need for on-site algal-toxin monitoring has become increasingly urgent due to the amplified demand for fresh-water and for safe, ‘toxin-free’ shellfish and fish stocks. Along with routine testing of shellfish stocks for biotoxins including microcystin, the EU also require routine monitoring for the presence of the causative algal species. Herein, we describe a novel, Lab-On-A-Disc (LOAD) platform which has been developed to assess microcystin toxin levels in-situ. Using recombinant antibody technology, the LOAD platform combines immunofluorescence with centrifugally driven microfluidic liquid handling to achieve a next-generation disposable device for high throughput sampling. A low-complexity, ‘LED-Photodiode’ based optical sensing system was tailor-made for the system, which allows the fluorescence signal of the microcystin-specific reaction to be quantified. This system can rapidly and accurately detect the presence of microcystin in less than 10 minutes with minimum user interaction and maximum reproducibility. This method provides a low cost diagnostic alternative to the current laborious and costly methods used for toxin monitoring.

Globally, the most prevalent cyanobacterial toxins, in blooms from fresh and brackish waters, are the cyclic peptide toxins of the microcystin family. The need for on-site algal-toxin monitoring has become increasingly urgent due to the amplified demand for fresh-water and for safe, ‘toxinfree’ shellfish and fish stocks. Along with routine testing of shellfish stocks for biotoxins including microcystin, the EU also require routine monitoring for the presence of the causative algal species. Herein, we describe a novel, Lab-On-A-Disc (LOAD) platform which has been developed to assess microcystin toxin levels in-situ. Using recombinant antibody technology, the LOAD platform combines immunofluorescence with centrifugally driven microfluidic liquid handling to achieve a next-generation disposable device for high throughput sampling. A low-complexity, ‘LED-Photodiode’ based optical sensing system was tailor-made for the system, which allows the fluorescence signal of the microcystin-specific reaction to be quantified. This system can rapidly and accurately detect the presence of microcystin in less than 10 minutes with minimum user interaction and maximum reproducibility. This method provides a low cost diagnostic alternative to the current laborious and costly methods used for toxin monitoring.

Globally, the most prevalent cyanobacterial toxins, in blooms from fresh and brackish waters, are the cyclic peptide toxins of the microcystin family. The need for on-site algal-toxin monitoring has become increasingly urgent due to the amplified demand for fresh-water and for safe, ‘toxin-free’ shellfish and fish stocks. Along with routine testing of shellfish stocks for biotoxins including microcystin, the EU also require routine monitoring for the presence of the causative algal species. Herein, we describe a novel, Lab-On-A-Disc (LOAD) platform which has been developed to assess microcystin toxin levels in-situ. Using recombinant antibody technology, the LOAD platform combines immunofluorescence with centrifugally driven microfluidic liquid handling to achieve a next-generation disposable device for high throughput sampling. A low-complexity, ‘LED-Photodiode’ based optical sensing system was tailor-made for the system, which allows the fluorescence signal of the microcystin-specific reaction to be quantified. This system can rapidly and accurately detect the presence of microcystin in less than 10 minutes with minimum user interaction and maximum reproducibility. This method provides a low cost diagnostic alternative to the current laborious and costly methods used for toxin monitoring.

Cyclic peptide cyanobacterial toxins, in particular Microcystis aeruginosa, pose a serious health risk to humans and animals alike [1], [2]. Occurring mostly in fresh and brackish water, they have been identified to cause cancer promotion and liver damage [3]. Herein, we describe a portable, microfluidic-based system for in-situ detection of algal toxins in fresh water. The Atalanta system is a novel, portable and sample-to-answer platform for the detection of toxic cyanobacteria – Microcystin-LR in fresh water. Atalanta utilises the partnership of highly-specific recombinant chicken anti-microcystin antibodies, prepared in-house, with a 3D-printed ‘LASER-photo¬diode’ fluorescent detection method, also developed in-house. A competitive immunoassay format is utilised to detect free toxin. Furthermore, dissolvable-film (DF) based flow-actuation facilitates full assay inte¬gration. This new approach will form the basis of a cost efficient, USB-controlled water quality monitoring system. The Atalanta detection system consists of two components; the microfluidic Atalanta disc and the disc-holder. The Atalanta disc-holder was fabricated and assembled from a 3D-printed casing, with electronic components housed in device. The 5-layered microfluidic disc consists of five reservoirs, each with a separate venti¬lation, aligned radially with inter-connected microchannels. Each reservoir represents a functional assay step. First, microcystin conjugate is coated to the functionalised surface of the reservoir 3 prior to assembling the disc. A freshwater sample in reservoir 1 is pre-incubated with recombinant antibodies labelled with fluorophore (Alexa 647) in reservoir 2. This is then spun into reservoir 3 for detection through a competitive immunoassay using Microcystin-LR. Low fluorescence signal indicates high Microcystin-LR concentration in the sample.

Cyclic peptide cyanobacterial toxins, in particular Microcystis aeruginosa, pose a serious health risk to humans and animals alike [1], [2]. Occurring mostly in fresh and brackish water, they have been identified to cause cancer promotion and liver damage [3]. Herein, we describe a portable, microfluidic-based system for in-situ detection of algal toxins in fresh water. The Atalanta system is a novel, portable and sample-to-answer platform for the detection of toxic cyanobacteria – Microcystin-LR in fresh water. Atalanta utilises the partnership of highly-specific recombinant chicken anti-microcystin antibodies, prepared in-house, with a 3D-printed ‘LASER-photo¬diode’ fluorescent detection method, also developed in-house. A competitive immunoassay format is utilised to detect free toxin. Furthermore, dissolvable-film (DF) based flow-actuation facilitates full assay inte¬gration. This new approach will form the basis of a cost efficient, USB-controlled water quality monitoring system. The Atalanta detection system consists of two components; the microfluidic Atalanta disc and the disc-holder. The Atalanta disc-holder was fabricated and assembled from a 3D-printed casing, with electronic components housed in device. The 5-layered microfluidic disc consists of five reservoirs, each with a separate venti¬lation, aligned radially with inter-connected microchannels. Each reservoir represents a functional assay step. First, microcystin conjugate is coated to the functionalised surface of the reservoir 3 prior to assembling the disc. A freshwater sample in reservoir 1 is pre-incubated with recombinant antibodies labelled with fluorophore (Alexa 647) in reservoir 2. This is then spun into reservoir 3 for detection through a competitive immunoassay using Microcystin-LR. Low fluorescence signal indicates high Microcystin-LR concentration in the sample.

Globally, the most prevalent cyanobacterial toxins, in blooms from fresh and brackish waters, are the cyclic peptide toxins of the microcystin family. The need for on-site algal-toxin monitoring has become increasingly urgent due to the amplified demand for fresh-water and for safe, ‘toxin-free’ shellfish and fish stocks. Along with routine testing of shellfish stocks for biotoxins including microcystin, the EU also require routine monitoring for the presence of the causative algal species. Herein, we describe a novel, Lab-On-A-Disc (LOAD) platform which has been developed to assess microcystin toxin levels in-situ. Using recombinant antibody technology, the LOAD platform combines immunofluorescence with centrifugally driven microfluidic liquid handling to achieve a next-generation disposable device for high throughput sampling. A low-complexity, ‘LED-Photodiode’ based optical sensing system was tailor-made for the system, which allows the fluorescence signal of the microcystin-specific reaction to be quantified. This system can rapidly and accurately detect the presence of microcystin in less than 10 minutes with minimum user interaction and maximum reproducibility. This method provides a low cost diagnostic alternative to the current laborious and costly methods used for toxin monitoring.

Cyclic peptide cyanobacterial toxins, in particular Microcystis aeruginosa, pose a serious health risk to humans and animals alike [1], [2]. Occurring mostly in fresh and brackish water, they have been identified to cause cancer promotion and liver damage [3]. Herein, we describe a portable, microfluidic-based system for in-situ detection of algal toxins in fresh water. The technology development presented here is a fully integrated and portable sample-to-answer centrifugal microfluidics-based system for the detection of toxic cyanobacteria – Microcystin-LR in fresh water. Our unique system employs highly-specific recombinant chicken anti-microcystin antibodies, prepared in-house, with a 3D-printed ‘LASER-photo¬diode’ fluorescent detection technique, also developed in-house. The system has high analytical specificity and sensitivity for detection of toxins below the regulatory limit with intra/inter day coefficient of variation of less than 20%. Dissolvable-film based valving technique was used for flow actuation and integration of multiple assays on the centrifugal cartridge. This new approach forms the basis of a cost efficient, USB-controlled water quality monitoring system. Technically, this integrated system consists of two components; a microfluidic disc (figure 1.A), the disc-holder fabricated and assembled from a 3D-printed casing, with electronic components housed in device. The 5-layered microfluidic disc consists of five reservoirs (figure 1.B), each with a separate venti-lation, aligned radially with inter-connected microchannels. A competitive immunoassay format is utilised to detect free toxin (figure 1.C). Sensitivity, reproducibility and ease-of-use are key features of this monitoring device. The ‘top-down’ optical detection system has been modified for improved detection sensitivity, as well as the elimination of external noise.

Cyclic peptide cyanobacterial toxins, in particular Microcystis aeruginosa, pose a serious health risk to humans and animals alike [1], [2]. Occurring mostly in fresh and brackish water, they have been identified to cause cancer promotion and liver damage [3]. Herein, we describe a portable, microfluidic-based system for in-situ detection of algal toxins in fresh water. The Atalanta system is a novel, portable and sample-to-answer platform for the detection of toxic cyanobacteria – Microcystin-LR in fresh water. Atalanta utilises the partnership of highly-specific recombinant chicken anti-microcystin antibodies, prepared in-house, with a 3D-printed ‘LASER-photo¬diode’ fluorescent detection method, also developed in-house. A competitive immunoassay format is utilised to detect free toxin. Furthermore, dissolvable-film (DF) based flow-actuation facilitates full assay inte¬gration. This new approach will form the basis of a cost efficient, USB-controlled water quality monitoring system. The Atalanta detection system consists of two components; the microfluidic Atalanta disc and the disc-holder. The Atalanta disc-holder was fabricated and assembled from a 3D-printed casing, with electronic components housed in device. The 5-layered microfluidic disc consists of five reservoirs, each with a separate venti¬lation, aligned radially with inter-connected microchannels. Each reservoir represents a functional assay step. First, microcystin conjugate is coated to the functionalised surface of the reservoir 3 prior to assembling the disc. A freshwater sample in reservoir 1 is pre-incubated with recombinant antibodies labelled with fluorophore (Alexa 647) in reservoir 2. This is then spun into reservoir 3 for detection through a competitive immunoassay using Microcystin-LR. Low fluorescence signal indicates high Microcystin-LR concentration in the sample.

With population growth, there is an ever-increasing requirement for fresh-water sources and safe, ‘toxin-free’ shellfish and fish stocks. To monitor these resources carefully, there is a need for the development of an in-situ algal-toxin monitoring solutions. Presented here is one of these solutions; The ToxiSense Detection system (Figure 1). This system has been designed to be as generically applicable to toxin detection as possible, with the cyanobacterial Microcystin-LR used for proof-of-concept.

Cyclic peptide cyanobacterial toxins, in particular Microcystis aeruginosa, pose a serious health risk to humans and animals alike [1], [2]. Occurring mostly in fresh and brackish water, they have been identified to cause cancer promotion and liver damage [3]. Herein, we describe a portable, microfluidic-based system for in-situ detection of algal toxins in fresh water. The technology development presented here is a fully integrated and portable sample-to-answer centrifugal microfluidics-based system for the detection of toxic cyanobacteria – Microcystin-LR in fresh water. Our unique system employs highly-specific recombinant chicken anti-microcystin antibodies, prepared in-house, with a 3D-printed ‘LASER-photo¬diode’ fluorescent detection technique, also developed in-house. The system has high analytical specificity and sensitivity for detection of toxins below the regulatory limit with intra/inter day coefficient of variation of less than 20%. Dissolvable-film based valving technique was used for flow actuation and integration of multiple assays on the centrifugal cartridge. This new approach forms the basis of a cost efficient, USB-controlled water quality monitoring system. Technically, this integrated system consists of two components; a microfluidic disc (figure 1.A), the disc-holder fabricated and assembled from a 3D-printed casing, with electronic components housed in device. The 5-layered microfluidic disc consists of five reservoirs (figure 1.B), each with a separate venti-lation, aligned radially with inter-connected microchannels. A competitive immunoassay format is utilised to detect free toxin (figure 1.C). Sensitivity, reproducibility and ease-of-use are key features of this monitoring device. The ‘top-down’ optical detection system has been modified for improved detection sensitivity, as well as the elimination of external noise.

Globally, the most prevalent cyanobacterial toxins, in blooms from fresh and brackish waters, are the cyclic peptide toxins of the microcystin family. The need for on-site algal-toxin monitoring has become increasingly urgent due to the amplified demand for fresh-water and for safe, ‘toxinfree’ shellfish and fish stocks. Along with routine testing of shellfish stocks for biotoxins including microcystin, the EU also require routine monitoring for the presence of the causative algal species. Herein, we describe a novel, Lab-On-A-Disc (LOAD) platform which has been developed to assess microcystin toxin levels in-situ. Using recombinant antibody technology, the LOAD platform combines immunofluorescence with centrifugally driven microfluidic liquid handling to achieve a next-generation disposable device for high throughput sampling. A low-complexity, ‘LED-Photodiode’ based optical sensing system was tailor-made for the system, which allows the fluorescence signal of the microcystin-specific reaction to be quantified. This system can rapidly and accurately detect the presence of microcystin in less than 10 minutes with minimum user interaction and maximum reproducibility. This method provides a low cost diagnostic alternative to the current laborious and costly methods used for toxin monitoring.

Cyclic peptide cyanobacterial toxins, in particular Microcystis aeruginosa, pose a serious health risk to humans and animals alike [1], [2]. Occurring mostly in fresh and brackish water, they have been identified to cause cancer promotion and liver damage [3]. Herein, we describe a portable, microfluidic-based system for in-situ detection of algal toxins in fresh water. The Atalanta system is a novel, portable and sample-to-answer platform for the detection of toxic cyanobacteria – Microcystin-LR in fresh water. Atalanta utilises the partnership of highly-specific recombinant chicken anti-microcystin antibodies, prepared in-house, with a 3D-printed ‘LASER-photo¬diode’ fluorescent detection method, also developed in-house. A competitive immunoassay format is utilised to detect free toxin. Furthermore, dissolvable-film (DF) based flow-actuation facilitates full assay inte¬gration. This new approach will form the basis of a cost efficient, USB-controlled water quality monitoring system. The Atalanta detection system consists of two components; the microfluidic Atalanta disc and the disc-holder. The Atalanta disc-holder was fabricated and assembled from a 3D-printed casing, with electronic components housed in device. The 5-layered microfluidic disc consists of five reservoirs, each with a separate venti¬lation, aligned radially with inter-connected microchannels. Each reservoir represents a functional assay step. First, microcystin conjugate is coated to the functionalised surface of the reservoir 3 prior to assembling the disc. A freshwater sample in reservoir 1 is pre-incubated with recombinant antibodies labelled with fluorophore (Alexa 647) in reservoir 2. This is then spun into reservoir 3 for detection through a competitive immunoassay using Microcystin-LR. Low fluorescence signal indicates high Microcystin-LR concentration in the sample.

Cyclic peptide cyanobacterial toxins, in particular Microcystis aeruginosa, pose a serious health risk to humans and animals alike [1], [2]. Occurring mostly in fresh and brackish water, they have been identified to cause cancer promotion and liver damage [3]. Herein, we describe a portable, microfluidic-based system for in-situ detection of algal toxins in fresh water. The Atalanta system is a novel, portable and sample-to-answer platform for the detection of toxic cyanobacteria – Microcystin-LR in fresh water. Atalanta utilises the partnership of highly-specific recombinant chicken anti-microcystin antibodies, prepared in-house, with a 3D-printed ‘LASER-photo¬diode’ fluorescent detection method, also developed in-house. A competitive immunoassay format is utilised to detect free toxin. Furthermore, dissolvable-film (DF) based flow-actuation facilitates full assay inte¬gration. This new approach will form the basis of a cost efficient, USB-controlled water quality monitoring system. The Atalanta detection system consists of two components; the microfluidic Atalanta disc and the disc-holder. The Atalanta disc-holder was fabricated and assembled from a 3D-printed casing, with electronic components housed in device. The 5-layered microfluidic disc consists of five reservoirs, each with a separate venti¬lation, aligned radially with inter-connected microchannels. Each reservoir represents a functional assay step. First, microcystin conjugate is coated to the functionalised surface of the reservoir 3 prior to assembling the disc. A freshwater sample in reservoir 1 is pre-incubated with recombinant antibodies labelled with fluorophore (Alexa 647) in reservoir 2. This is then spun into reservoir 3 for detection through a competitive immunoassay using Microcystin-LR. Low fluorescence signal indicates high Microcystin-LR concentration in the sample.

With population growth, there is an ever-increasing requirement for fresh-water sources and safe, ‘toxin-free’ shellfish and fish stocks. To monitor these resources carefully, there is a need for the development of an in-situ algal-toxin monitoring solutions. Presented here is one of these solutions; The ToxiSense Detection system (Figure 1). This system has been designed to be as generically applicable to toxin detection as possible, with the cyanobacterial Microcystin-LR used for proof-of-concept.

Globally, the most prevalent cyanobacterial toxins, in blooms from fresh and brackish waters, are the cyclic peptide toxins of the microcystin family. The need for on-site algal-toxin monitoring has become increasingly urgent due to the amplified demand for fresh-water and for safe, ‘toxin-free’ shellfish and fish stocks. Along with routine testing of shellfish stocks for biotoxins including microcystin, the EU also require routine monitoring for the presence of the causative algal species. Herein, we describe a novel, Lab-On-A-Disc (LOAD) platform which has been developed to assess microcystin toxin levels in-situ. Using recombinant antibody technology, the LOAD platform combines immunofluorescence with centrifugally driven microfluidic liquid handling to achieve a next-generation disposable device for high throughput sampling. A low-complexity, ‘LED-Photodiode’ based optical sensing system was tailor-made for the system, which allows the fluorescence signal of the microcystin-specific reaction to be quantified. This system can rapidly and accurately detect the presence of microcystin in less than 10 minutes with minimum user interaction and maximum reproducibility. This method provides a low cost diagnostic alternative to the current laborious and costly methods used for toxin monitoring.

This research describes the development of immunoassays for the detection of residues of three anti-protozoan drugs (coccidiostats), namely, halofuginone,toltrazuril and diclazuril, used in the treatment of Eimeria spp.infections in cattle,pigs, chickens and turkeys. An avian-derived halofuginone-specific scFv library was constructed, from which the best scFv isolated did not possess the required analytical sensitivity. To circumvent this, genetic engineering via light-chain shuffling of the optimal light:heavy chain pairings of the scFv library were investigated. Use of this light-chain shuffled library and rigorous screening, led to the isolation of a scFv with a 185-fold greater sensitivity than the original. This scFv was incorporated into both enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Biacore assay formats that were applied successfully for the detection of halofuginone in ‘spiked’ egg samples. Immune phage display libraries were constructed and screened for diclazuril using a number of diclazuril-conjugates. A functional diclazuril-specific scFv could not be isolated, due to complications which arose during library amplification.Subsequently, an anti-diclazuril polyclonal antibody was sourced externally, characterised and used in the development of a high sensitivity lateral-flow immunoassay for diclazuril detection in eggs. Rabbit polyclonal antibodies to the primary metabolite of toltrazuril, ‘ponazuril’,were produced, characterised and were subsequently used to generate ELISA,lateral-flow and Biacore-based assays. The performance of each of these assay formats for the detection of toltrazuril in ‘spiked’ egg samples was directlycompared. Finally, multi-coccidiostat detection in a lateral-flow dipstick format, for the simultaneous determination of halofuginone, diclazuril and toltrazuril in eggs, using antibody-coated coloured latex particles as the detection element, was successfully optimised.

This research describes the development of immunoassays for the detection of residues of three anti-protozoan drugs (coccidiostats), namely, halofuginone,toltrazuril and diclazuril, used in the treatment of Eimeria spp.infections in cattle,pigs, chickens and turkeys. An avian-derived halofuginone-specific scFv library was constructed, from which the best scFv isolated did not possess the required analytical sensitivity. To circumvent this, genetic engineering via light-chain shuffling of the optimal light:heavy chain pairings of the scFv library were investigated. Use of this light-chain shuffled library and rigorous screening, led to the isolation of a scFv with a 185-fold greater sensitivity than the original. This scFv was incorporated into both enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Biacore assay formats that were applied successfully for the detection of halofuginone in ‘spiked’ egg samples. Immune phage display libraries were constructed and screened for diclazuril using a number of diclazuril-conjugates. A functional diclazuril-specific scFv could not be isolated, due to complications which arose during library amplification.Subsequently, an anti-diclazuril polyclonal antibody was sourced externally, characterised and used in the development of a high sensitivity lateral-flow immunoassay for diclazuril detection in eggs. Rabbit polyclonal antibodies to the primary metabolite of toltrazuril, ‘ponazuril’,were produced, characterised and were subsequently used to generate ELISA,lateral-flow and Biacore-based assays. The performance of each of these assay formats for the detection of toltrazuril in ‘spiked’ egg samples was directlycompared. Finally, multi-coccidiostat detection in a lateral-flow dipstick format, for the simultaneous determination of halofuginone, diclazuril and toltrazuril in eggs, using antibody-coated coloured latex particles as the detection element, was successfully optimised.

In order to prepare students for life after graduation, internationalization practices must include and engage all stakeholders. Research shows that efforts are in place to recruit and onboard students, so it is time to extend the focus beyond the walls of post-secondary institutes. An appreciative inquiry into the current internationalization practices and engagement of stakeholders involved focus groups and interviews with a variety of college staff as well as external community and employment partners. The results have revealed best practices as well as actionable recommendations for collaborative and sustainable internationalization efforts. The efficient pursuit of internationalization goals requires a coordinated effort between post-secondary institutes, employers, communities and all levels of government. Such efforts could improve graduate employment rates, eliminate the unnecessary duplication of efforts, and help harness the innovative potential that these globally minded students bring to local, national and multi-national employers.

In order to prepare students for life after graduation, internationalization practices must include and engage all stakeholders. Research shows that efforts are in place to recruit and onboard students, so it is time to extend the focus beyond the walls of post-secondary institutes. An appreciative inquiry into the current internationalization practices and engagement of stakeholders involved focus groups and interviews with a variety of college staff as well as external community and employment partners. The results have revealed best practices as well as actionable recommendations for collaborative and sustainable internationalization efforts. The efficient pursuit of internationalization goals requires a coordinated effort between post-secondary institutes, employers, communities and all levels of government. Such efforts could improve graduate employment rates, eliminate the unnecessary duplication of efforts, and help harness the innovative potential that these globally minded students bring to local, national and multi-national employers.