A new Research Hub will accelerate the growth of Australia's molecular biosensors sector, bridging the gap between academia and industry with applications spanning food and beverages, biosecurity and flexible materials.
The Australian Research Council (ARC) Research Hub for Molecular Biosensors at Point-of-Use (MOBIUS) was officially launched by Victorian Senator Lisa Darmanin at La Trobe University on 15 August following a $4.7 million ARC grant awarded last year.
The five-year partnership between industry and academia is led by La Trobe University in collaboration with five other Australian universities and more than 20 industry partners.
Projects already underway include a pocket-sized sensor enabling first responders to rapidly identify biological threats using a mobile phone; and a portable, low-cost test for on-farm detection of mastitis in cattle, which will help farmers improve herd health and increase revenue.
La Trobe University Chancellor the Hon John Brumby AO said MOBIUS reflected La Trobe's core mission of conducting impactful research that advances scientific frontiers and addresses critical industry needs.
"Major industry-academic partnerships like MOBIUS leverage science and technology to drive economic growth, accelerate commercial outcomes and enhance industry competitiveness."
Molecular biosensors are devices used to detect and measure specific molecules in samples such as food, air or blood, with examples including freshness indicators, allergen tests and breathalysers.
Australia's gap in molecular biosensing technology became apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic, when authorities were forced to import rapid-antigen tests due to lack of local supply.
La Trobe Professor and MOBIUS Director Conor Hogan said the Hub would fast-track the translation of research into industry outcomes, driving the expansion of Australia's biosensing sector and boosting advanced manufacturing capabilities.
"We are partnering with industry to develop the next generation of biosensors that use new materials and ways of detecting molecules so that they are user-friendly, affordable and accurate," Professor Hogan said.
Traditionally limited to healthcare, point-of-need biosensing technologies are increasingly being used in applications such as detecting chemical threats, roadside drug testing, monitoring beehive or cattle herd health, and assessing food freshness and safety.
The expansion of molecular biosensor technologies will deliver substantial economic and industry benefits by fostering commercialisation, driving innovation and generating employment growth across key sectors in Australia.
"The ability to take measurements wherever needed rather than sending a sample to a laboratory has already had profound impacts for many Australians," Professor Hogan said.
"MOBIUS will create impact in diverse fields such as food, biosecurity and health."
