Microbespotter

The MicrobeSpotter project aims to revolutionize the diagnosis of urinary tract infections (UTIs) by enabling rapid, AI-assisted microbiological testing at the point of care (e.g., general practitioners' offices). The current standard for diagnosing UTIs requires centralized laboratory testing, which can take up to three days, often leading to empirical antibiotic prescribing, contributing to antimicrobial resistance.
Key Innovations:

• Lens-free microscopy technology developed by imec to detect bacterial growth.
• AI-powered real-time analysis for pathogen identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing within two hours.
• A miniaturized, disposable cartridge designed for easy urine sample processing.
• Eco-friendly and cost-effective: reduces material waste by 95% compared to traditional lab testing.

Project Goals:

• Develop a proof-of-concept point-of-care device for primary care settings.
• Optimize AI algorithms for bacterial detection and resistance classification.
• Conduct an off-site validation study with general practitioners and nursing homes.
• Lay the foundation for future commercialization and broader applications, including food safety and industrial microbiology.

The project is a collaboration between KU Leuven (VIB & ACHG), imec, and Comate, leveraging their expertise in microbiology, AI, and medical device development. If successful, MicrobeSpotter could significantly reduce unnecessary antibiotic use, improve patient outcomes, and enhance the accessibility of precision diagnostics in primary care.