Detecting Waterborne Pathogens Faster: Research That Could Transform Water Safety Monitoring
Every day, communities rely on water testing to ensure the safety of drinking water supplies. Yet many of the methods used to detect harmful pathogens still depend on laboratory-based testing processes that can take significant time to deliver results. By the time contamination is identified, people may already have consumed the water being tested. This delay represents a critical challenge for water utilities, regulators and public health agencies tasked with protecting communities from waterborne disease.
A National Industry PhD project between University of New South Wales and Biopoint Pty Ltd is tackling this challenge by developing rapid and highly sensitive methods for detecting pathogens in water. The research builds on a technology known as CRISPR-T, developed through collaboration between the university and industry partner, which has demonstrated the potential to detect nucleic acids and proteins with exceptional sensitivity. The project aims to apply this technology to the detection of disease-causing microorganisms in water, including pathogens such as Cryptosporidium, while enabling testing to occur closer to the water source rather than solely in specialised laboratories.
The significance of the research extends beyond speed. Current testing methods typically rely on sophisticated laboratory equipment and centralised facilities. In contrast, the project is seeking to create portable testing technologies capable of rapid, on-site monitoring while maintaining the sensitivity required for reliable pathogen detection. The long-term vision is to provide practical tools that support faster decision making for water treatment operators and public health authorities, while strengthening Australia's capability in water safety monitoring.
The project reflects the strengths of the Industry Researcher PhD model. Rather than being recruited into industry during the project, PhD candidate Jeanne Arona was already employed by Biopoint Pty Ltd and nominated by the company to undertake the research. The program allows her to continue her employment while building advanced research skills and expertise in biosensor development, biochemistry and pathogen detection technologies. Throughout the project, Jeanne has participated in industry and academic networking activities, workshops, mentoring and coaching programs, commercialisation training and conference presentations.
For Biopoint Pty Ltd, the project directly supports a strategic objective to establish commercially oriented research capability and accelerate the development of industry-ready portable tests for water safety monitoring. The company contributes expertise, laboratory facilities, manufacturing capability, consumables and supervisory support while gaining access to university research infrastructure and specialist knowledge. For both partners sharing resources, continuous knowledge exchange and close collaboration is ensuring the research remains focused on real-world industry needs.
The potential long-term impact of the research is substantial. The project aims to deliver portable tests capable of detecting waterborne pathogens with laboratory-level sensitivity while enabling rapid field deployment. This may lead to the development of new commercial products, strengthen Australia's sovereign capability in pathogen monitoring, and reduce reliance on overseas supply chains for critical biosensing technologies. Beyond water testing, the underlying technology may support future applications across industrial, agricultural, veterinary and clinical testing markets.
At its heart, this project demonstrates how industry and universities can work together to address a genuine public health challenge. By combining cutting-edge research with real-world commercial expertise, the collaboration is creating new knowledge, building workforce capability and laying the foundations for technologies that could make water safety monitoring faster, more accessible and more responsive to emerging threats.