In a breakthrough for health diagnostics and food safety, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has unveiled a compact, customizable device that could revolutionize testing procedures in these sectors. This innovative product, known as FluoriPCR, has been developed collaboratively by CSIR’s Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (IITR) in Lucknow and the Central Electronics Engineering Research Institute (CEERI) in Pilani.
What is FluoriPCR?
FluoriPCR integrates the functions of four different biochemical and molecular testing machines into a single, portable device. Unlike traditional testing equipment, which costs around ₹35 lakh, FluoriPCR is priced affordably at just ₹1-1.5 lakh. This price reduction makes it a highly accessible tool for a broad range of users, from academic researchers to diagnostic labs, ensuring essential diagnostic and testing capabilities are within reach for more communities.
Key Applications of FluoriPCR:
FluoriPCR has already been tested successfully in several key applications, including:
- Meat Testing and Authentication: The device helps verify meat species and detect unwanted mixtures, allowing for precise identification and improved transparency in food production.
- Detection of Food Adulteration: In addition to meat, FluoriPCR can test for adulteration in other food items containing DNA, such as wheat and pulses.
- Pathogen Detection: It’s capable of identifying contaminants like bacteria, viruses, and fungi, as well as allergens such as gluten and soy in food items.
By detecting these contaminants and allergens, FluoriPCR not only promotes food safety but also enhances consumer confidence in product authenticity.
Tested for Reliability and Accuracy:
This device has received validation from the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) certified labs, ensuring its effectiveness in food safety and health diagnostics. CSIR-IITR’s Director, Dr. Bhaskar Narayan, noted that the development is part of the organization’s Advancing Technological Leads for Assuring Safety of Food (ATLAS) initiative, a mission-mode project under CSIR. He emphasizes that this device will provide a scalable solution to food safety challenges and open new avenues for diagnostics and training in the industry.
Benefits of FluoriPCR:
- Portability: Designed to be compact, the device can be easily transported and used in various settings, from remote labs to on-site inspections.
- Customizability: FluoriPCR is highly adaptable to different testing needs, making it ideal for diverse applications in diagnostics and quality control.
- Cost-Effectiveness: With a significantly lower price point, FluoriPCR reduces the financial barrier for institutions and industries interested in adopting advanced diagnostic tools.
Industry and Research Opportunities:
FluoriPCR is an appealing solution not only for industries focused on food safety and health diagnostics but also for academic and research institutions, skill development centers, and training facilities. As Dr. Narayan highlighted, institutions interested in technology transfer can approach CSIR for licensing. This creates an opportunity for widespread use and further development of diagnostic technology.
Conclusion:
With its affordability, portability, and customizable applications, CSIR’s FluoriPCR is poised to make a substantial impact on health and food diagnostics. Whether it’s ensuring food authenticity, detecting contaminants, or providing accessible diagnostic tools, FluoriPCR represents a step forward in making testing technology more available and effective.
As India continues to innovate in health and food safety, FluoriPCR is a promising example of how scientific advancements can address real-world challenges.
🚨Be Aware, We never charge any consultancy fee for jobs.
📲Foodtech Network WhatsApp Jobs Group
🔗 WhatsApp Groups
⚙️ Food Entrepreneurs & Startups (Our services)
🔗 https://bit.ly/3JDyPIN
🏅 Food safety training and certification.
🔗 Foodtech Network Academy
🖥️ FSSC 22000 v 6.0 Internal auditor training program
🖥 MSME Internship on Laboratory Management Systems ISO/IEC 17025:2017, Planning & Setting up of Food Analysis Laboratory, and Accreditation Processes
Certificate will provided by MSME TC.
