View of brown folders, with focus on grants label

OptiSolve and the Kelley Lab at the University of Toronto will combine novel nanomaterials with a genomics-based approach to allow for precise identification of pathogens that cause Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs). This second phase development of OptiSolve's Pathfinder technology will let hospitals, long-term care facilities, and retirement homes rapidly detect and identify harmful agents such as MRSA, C. difficile and influenza, with the resultant benefits of proactive prevention and quick interventions.

This leap forward in technology was made possible on Monday, February 4 when the Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science and Sport, announced the awarding of a $4.5 million Genome Canada grant to OptiSolve and the Kelley Lab. The OptiSolve grant focuses on the Detection and Identification of Surface Microbial Contamination in High-Risk facilities.

According to a recent report by the Public Health Agency of Canada, Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are currently the country's fourth leading cause of death and could move up to second place by 2050. Attention to cleanliness and disinfection of surfaces plays a large role in reducing HAIs.

However, historically it has been difficult to measure cleaning effectiveness and meaningfully improve processes or related training. There is a clear need for a system that can identify disease-causing bacteria and viruses on surfaces.

OptiSolve, a division of family-owned Canadian company Charlotte Products Ltd. (CPL), has developed an environmental monitoring system and optical sensor technology, called Pathfinder, which is used to image and assess surfaces for microbial contamination. Dr. Shana Kelley and her team are working with the company to further enhance the OptiSolve offering to allow for recognition and identification of specific pathogen species to Reveal the Invisible.

"The current OptiSolve offering already provides breakthrough precision cleaning capabilities to improve environmental health and safety in all types of facilities - from hospitals to food manufacturing plants to educational facilities and offices – just to name a few," said Tony Ambler, chairman of Charlotte Products Ltd. "However, this grant takes us to the next level because we will be able to identify deadly pathogens such as C. diff and listeria on surfaces, in real time. We couldn't be more pleased."

The service and technology will significantly reduce HAIs while enabling environmental services and infection prevention managers to avoid taking a "worst-case scenario" approach to outbreaks, which can include bed closures and cancellation of procedures.

The result will be improved health of patients, residents, staff, and visitors as well as healthcare savings and risk mitigation. This first-to-market technology will contribute to economic growth and employment for highly qualified personnel.