Phorest protects operations from contamination with state-of-the-art sensors — before the contamination has a chance to spread.
Microbial Contamination – A Silent Threat
The Impact of Biofluid Contamination on Supply Chain Resilience
Current contamination checks are slow, offline, and reactive—often taking days to produce results.
This can lead to significant consequences for manufacturers, such as:
Batch Spoilage Risk
Operational Downtime
Product Recalls
Damage to Reputation
Unsustainable Practices
Reduced Productivity
The Solution: Proactive Quality Control
Quality control should be automated, real-time, and responsive to prevent production delays and costly contamination incidents.
Unparalleled Contamination Detection Enabled by Grating Sensors
Phorest’s cutting-edge sensors use patented optical grating technology to continuously detect microbial biofilms.
Unparalleled Contamination Detection Enabled by Grating Sensors
Optical micrograph showing preferential attachment of bacteria on the grating structure.
Photograph showing the sensor mounted on an industrial-scale flange.
Innovative Approach to Early Detection
Grating Technology: Phorest’s Key to Early Contamination Detection
Exploring the operational principles:
Buildup of Bacterial Proteins in the Fluid
In any fluid system, bacteria naturally release proteins into their environment as they begin to grow. These bacterial proteins gradually accumulate, even before any visible signs of contamination appear. At this stage, the proteins are still sparse, but their presence signals the very first steps toward potential microbial contamination.
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Buildup of Bacterial Proteins in the Fluid
Formation of a Monolayer
As bacterial proteins continue to accumulate, they start forming a monolayer on the surface of the sensor. This monolayer is an early indicator of biofilm development, and detecting this stage is crucial for preventing more serious contamination.
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Formation of a Monolayer
Refractive Index Change
As the monolayer forms, the sensor detects a change in the refractive index on the grating surface. This optical signal is a key indication that contamination is developing. The sensor is calibrated to pick up these subtle changes with precision, providing an immediate, real-time alert.
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Refractive Index Change
Continuous Real-Time Monitoring
The sensor continuously monitors the fluid for bacterial activity and biofilm formation. Any increase in bacterial presence or monolayer thickness is detected instantly, allowing for rapid response to contamination before it escalates.
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Continuous Real-Time Monitoring
Prevention of Mature Biofilm Formation
By detecting bacterial proteins and the monolayer at these early stages, Phorest’s sensors prevent the formation of mature biofilms, which are difficult and costly to remove. This early detection safeguards the entire fluid system and supply chain from major contamination risks.
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Prevention of Mature Biofilm Formation
Swift Response to Contamination — No Downtime Required
Phorest’s small, robust sensors are easily installed across the supply chain and once installed, our sensors begin continuously monitoring liquids.
They provide an alert upon contamination detection to ensure that issues are addressed before they become critical and they require no sample extraction or interruption in the process flow.
Versatile Solutions for a Range of Industries
Phorest’s adaptable technology ensures safety across diverse supply chain networks.
Consumer Goods
Phorest sensors safeguard product quality in real-time, integrating seamlessly into production lines for non-food industries, including cosmetics, personal care, and packaged foods.
Logistics
Phorest sensors monitor fluid cargo during transport, guaranteeing safe and uncontaminated deliveries of raw materials and sensitive chemicals.
Food, Drink and Fuels
In food processing, beverage production, and fuel storage, Phorest detects contamination early, minimizing spoilage, protecting product integrity, and ensuring safety compliance.
Trusted by Industry Innovators
Proven Interest from Global Partners
Phorest is already gaining traction with major companies across various industries. We are actively engaging with manufacturers in diverse sectors to evaluate their specific contamination control needs.
The Minds Behind Phorest Diagnostics
Shaping the Future of Contamination Control
At the heart of Phorest is a diverse team of scientists, engineers, and industry leaders dedicated to providing solutions that make supply chains more efficient, sustainable, and safe. Our focus on innovation and operational efficiency makes Phorest a key player in the future of contamination control.
The Team
Thomas Krauss
CEO & Founder
Thomas Krauss is an international expert in nanophotonics and Professor of Photonics at the University of York.
Steven Johnson
CTO & Founder
Steven Johnson is an expert in biosensors and equitable technology, Professor at the University of York.
Callum Silver
Tech Developer
Callum Silver completed his PhD in biosensors with Prof Johnson and leads the hardware developments at Phorest.
Chris Reardon
Tech Developer
Chris Reardon completed his PhD in photonic devices with Prof Krauss and leads the software and algorithm development at Phorest.
Our Advisors
Jason Mellad
Start Codon
Jason Mellad is Managing Partner and co-founder of Start Codon, a Life Science Accelerator.
Karim Tabiti
AMICONbio
Karim Tabiti is a business executive with profound product development experience.
James Kitson
University of York
James Kitson is the Head of Commercialisation at the University of York with previous experience in the petroleum and water industries.
Phorest Diagnostics Ltd.
Department Of Physics University Of York
Heslington, York
North Yorkshire
England
YO10 5DD
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