Stratophase: Low cost biological and chemical sensor system seeks applications

Licensing opportunity

A consortium led by the Southampton University spin-out Stratophase Ltd has developed a novel low cost biological and chemical sensor system. Although designed for counter-bioterrorism, the technology would also have applications in pharmaceutical manufacturing, food and beverage manufacturing, industrial process control and drug discovery applications.

The sensor was developed through a £565,000 project, which was backed by a grant from the UK Technology Strategy Board. It uses a multi-wavelength sensing system for the detection of biological binding to coated surfaces, and the measurement of liquid properties.

The basis of the project was Stratophase’s grating-based refractive index sensing technology. The company claims the system has several advantages over competing commercial measurement and detection products, notably its durability, sensitivity and versatility.

Greg Emmerson, Project Leader from Stratophase, said when used in hostile environments the system has significant advantages over traditional systems, having the ability to withstand flammable liquids or unstable temperatures. “Using this technique, high accuracy refractive index measurements, traditionally restricted to controlled laboratory conditions, can be taken out into the field.”

The wider applications for the optical technology include medical diagnostics, food and beverage manufacturing, industrial process control and biohazard sensing for the medical/pharmaceutical and bioterrorism security sectors.

Richard Williams, CEO Stratophase Ltd, said the Technology Strategy Board’s grant, combined with the expertise of the consortium partners, has allowed the basic technology to be turned to a marketable product far faster than would otherwise be possible.

The three commercial partners – Stratophase, Davin Optronics and Smart Fibres – expect the research to translate into direct equipment sales and technology license fees, while Southampton University’s Optoelectronics Research Centre says the project will help to maintain its position at the forefront of optoelectronics research. 

Stratophase was founded in 2003 as a spin out from Southampton University and has raised £2.8 million to date.