Project BE FAST

Bacterial Eavesdropping for Fast Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing

Towards faster susceptibility testing.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health problem, endangering millions of lives. Rapid Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (AST) plays a crucial role in determining the type and concentration of antibiotics required to inhibit the growth of a pathogen. However, the major issue with the current ASTs is
the slow diagnostics, from 24h to a few days, leading to mis-prescriptions and/or over-prescriptions, thus severely impacting treatment outcomes.

Graphene sensor chips sense single bacteria.

With the European Transition Grant we aim at performing antibiotic susceptibility testing in less than an hour at the level of single bacteria on clinical samples.

SoundCell technology impacts healthcare
by shortening hospital stays.

societal and patient benefits

Earlier correct prescription reduces patients side effects, shortens the time of illness and contributes to tracking, reducing, and managing the spread of infections and antimicrobial resistance.

Improved diagnostic logistics

Better logistics for clinical samples with faster time to result. No need to store patient samples for days in
incubators and fridges.

Economic and industrial benefits

The right antibiotic at the right time reduces healthcare costs. Fast treatment of infections reduces environmental footprint associated with patient treatment, by shorter hospital stay and lower waste production.

This project is funded by the European Comission under grant agreement no. 10113671.