Aptamer Group plc announces a partnership with Microsaic Systems plc (Microsaic) 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.