A complex sample.
Pigments, polymers and particles can make the microbial picture difficult to read.
MicroDetect · In development
A clearer picture of contamination. Earlier.
When a liquid sample is difficult to test, quality decisions can be left waiting. MicroDetect is being developed to reveal microbial contamination earlier, starting with paints and coatings.
A NWATT product development programme. Performance and suitability must be validated for each sample type.
The problem we are working on
Useful evidence while a decision can still change.
An opaque, particle-rich liquid can make it difficult to separate microbial signals from the sample itself. Waiting for organisms to grow adds another step before the result can inform a quality-control decision.
Look at individual events.
MicroDetect aims to measure organisms individually and combine complementary evidence from each event. The goal is earlier screening information that helps teams decide what to investigate next.
Established culture and reference methods remain essential. Earlier screening is the development aim, not a proven test-time or release claim.
MicroDetect / From sample to insight
Skip visualFrom a complex sample to useful evidence.
A pattern emerges.
MicroDetect aims to bring complementary measurements together around individual events.
Each event matters.
The goal is clearer evidence for quality decisions, validated for the liquid you work with.
Illustrative particles and bacterial forms, not a test result or a physical representation of the method.
Scroll to transform
First application · Paints and coatings
Start with the sample. Prove the method.
Pigments, polymers, surfactants, salts and preservatives create a demanding test environment. Preparation and interpretation need to work with the real formulation.
- Water-based paints and coatings
- Raw materials and incoming samples
- Process samples linked to a production batch
Expansion to other liquids will follow evidence for each sample type, rather than assuming one method works everywhere.
The intended workflow
Four actions. A traceable result.
Keep routine operation clear, with measurement quality and technical evidence available behind the result.
01 / Prepare
Make the sample measurable.
An application-specific preparation method is intended to turn a difficult liquid into a controlled measurement suspension.
02 / Load
Keep the test contained.
The proposed disposable cartridge provides a repeatable liquid path and is intended to reduce carryover between tests.
03 / Measure
Build evidence from individual events.
Combine independent measurements, check measurement quality and interpret patterns within the sample.
04 / Review
Put the result in context.
The intended output pairs an operator summary with confidence and quality checks, keeping detailed evidence available for technical review.
For engineering and laboratory teams
Evidence behind the interpretation.
The development plan combines event-level analysis, sample traceability and validation against established methods.
Complementary measurements
Independent measurements are intended to strengthen event interpretation and help distinguish biological patterns from the surrounding sample. Counts, viability, classification and confidence remain development targets.
Traceability and quality checks
The intended record links the result to sample and batch, instrument, operator, reagent and cartridge lots. Engineering review can retain raw evidence, timing, calibration status and measurement-quality information.
Validation before performance claims
The programme calls for comparison with culture, microscopy and established cytometry; challenges with bacteria, yeast, mould and live-dead mixtures; and assessment across real formulations, conductivity, pH and particle backgrounds.
Repeatability across instruments
Physical and biological standards are part of the proposed repeatability work. Sensitivity, specificity, test duration and classification performance will be reported only when supported for the application.
Practical questions
What quality, laboratory and engineering teams need to know about MicroDetect's development stage.
Is MicroDetect available as a validated product?
MicroDetect is under development. The reader, cartridge and workflow describe the current direction. Sensitivity, specificity, test time and classification performance will only be stated after validation for the relevant sample type and use case.
Which liquids are you starting with?
Paints and coatings are the priority development application, including water-based formulations, raw materials and process samples. Other industrial liquids require their own preparation method and validation before performance can be claimed.
Does MicroDetect replace culture testing?
The near-term aim is earlier screening and richer process insight alongside established reference methods. It is not a validated replacement for culture testing or an independent basis for product release.
Are cells per mL the same as CFU per mL?
No. A direct event count and a colony-forming unit count describe different measurements. A CFU-equivalent estimate would require a validated correlation for the specific application.
Does it connect to Mesher?
MicroDetect is a separate NWATT product development programme alongside Mesher Sense, Mesher Live and Mesher Gateway. Any shared reporting or system connection would need to be scoped and validated; no ready-made Mesher integration is claimed.
How can we discuss a development application?
Tell NWATT about your liquid sample, current test method and the decision you need to make sooner. The first conversation establishes the sample constraints and evidence a useful evaluation would need.
Looking for equipment monitoring? Explore Mesher Sense, visual monitoring with Mesher Live, or supported system connections through Mesher Gateway.
What is your sample keeping you waiting for?
Tell us about the liquid, your current test method and the decision you need to make sooner. We can discuss what a useful development evaluation would involve.