NTU Scientist Catches World's Attention with Laser Technology Invention

A scientist from Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Professor Liu Ai Qun, has developed an innovative device that can identify and detect contaminants in treated water, such as water-borne bacteria, in just one hour, down from the current two days.

The "Parasitometer", is a stand-alone device using a breakthrough laser technology that has a high detection rate. It can pick out a single bacteria cell out of a ten-litre drinking water sample. It will also reduce the costs of such water tests by about eight times as there is no need for chemical reagents and lab facilities manned by trained personnel.

The breakthrough laser technology, used in the device, has been published in the world-famous scientific magazine Nature Communications, a publication known for highlighting global innovations and important groundbreaking research.

The "Parasitometer" could prove to be a boon for countries fighting water-borne diseases. Commercialisation of the technology is expected to begin in June. Prof Liu and NTU have set up a company called Water Optics Technology, and is looking for S$2 million in funding from businesses and venture capitalists.

Source: Nanyang Technological University