SAFTIR - a novel point-of-need diagnostic platform for animal health and food safety

This paper introduces a portable rapid molecular diagnostics device concept based on unique and novel SAFTIR (Supercritical Angle Fluorescence and Total Internal Reflection) optical transducer technology. The device platform is compatible with numerous fluorescence assay chemistries for performing rapid tests on-site. The SAFTIR technology has been developed at VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland utilising our know-how in biosensors, integrated optics, electronics and biosensor prototyping. The uniqueness of the SAFTIR prototype device is based on the novel measurement principle involving integrated optical elements and waveguides on the disposable test strip and the specific reader device with proper interface optics. At concept level, SAFTIR has a lot of similarities with the Lateral Flow Assay (LFA) based rapid tests by consisting of an analyte specific disposable test strip and a special reader device. However, in technical details, there are significant differences and benefits, namely SAFTIR utilises surface-bound fluorescence detection principle ensuring high sensitivity with an excellent signal-to-noise ratio, fast response time and minimal sample matrix effects. In this paper, we present for the first time the integrated SAFTIR device concept, portable prototype and development aiming at smart farming applications. The initial application focus is on-site detection and quantitation of mycotoxins for both arable and livestock farming. The reference and starting point is a previously developed assay based on a recombinant anti-immunocomplex antibody for HT-2 mycotoxin detection.