What the Project Is
Instantaneous & quantitative microbial detection—this is the essence of the project. Redberry develops live-cell rapid detection assays dramatically faster than traditional methods. The performances of the Redberry technology rely on the solid-phase cytometry system. Unlike conventional methods, the patented approach monitors the evolution of fluorescence emitted by the microorganisms over time, known as staining kinetics. Pictures of samples are taken before, during, and after the staining process, allowing inert and autofluorescent particles to be differentiated from viable microorganisms. More than 99% of inert particles (background) can be eliminated from counting results, ensuring precise enumeration of live cells. In effect, the technology provides instantaneous microbial detection in pharmaceuticals, waters, and personal care products.
Main Benefits
Rapid and precise analysis is at the core of this innovation. The following bullet points highlight key figures and facts that make the project stand out:
- Rapid Screening in 10 minutes
- Direct Count of Total Viable Flora (exc. Spores)
- Bioburden in 4 hours
- Enumeration of Total Aerobic Flora
- Sterility in 4 days
- Qualitative assay allowing further identification
- 10 minutes analysis – from 100µL to 250mL per cap
- Automated sample treatment (Filtration, Staining, Analysis)
- No operator control, thanks to an intuitive user interface
- Data integrity ensured by 21CFR part 11 compliance
Solid-Phase Cytometry at Work
The advancement is built on solid-phase cytometry. The system captures images before, during, and after the staining process, then compares these pictures to analyze fluorescence emission over time. Inert and autofluorescent particles are identified and eliminated from the results with a precision that leaves more than 99% of background noise behind. This process, using a patented approach, works for both single cells and microcolonies. With each capture, the evolution of the fluorescence is monitored, ensuring that only actively viable microorganisms are counted. It’s a process that sounds complex but ends up being truly rewarding in its accuracy and efficiency.
Diverse Applications
The technology is not limited to one sector. It finds applications in Pharmaceuticals Standard Products, Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs), Personal Care products, and Waters. The first application developed by Redberry is the Total Viable Count (TVC) assay, which provides a quantitative analysis of the live cell population in any given sample. Because of the generic design of the Redberry Instrument, different specific dyes can be used to detect various organisms. For instance, an assay specifically targeting Escherichia Coli is currently under development. This versatility makes the technology relevant for multiple domains – a true blend of scientific innovation and practical application.
Ease of Use and Integration
The engineering behind the project is arranged to make life simpler: automated sample treatment including filtration, staining, and analysis, with no need for operator control. An intuitive user interface ensures that users can focus on the results rather than getting bogged down by complex processes. This ease of use reduces errors and speeds up the process, from a small volume of 100µL up to 250mL per cap. It’s a system designed to be both robust in its performance and friendly in its application… a rare combination in advanced detection assays.
Technological Versatility and Future Developments
The platform’s adaptability extends its reach: whether it is for rapid screening, bioburden determination, or sterility testing, the technology meets the high demands of modern scientific analysis. The instrument’s generic design allows for further assay developments not only for total viable count but also for the targeted detection of specific microorganisms. There is clear potential for evolution, with future assays planned that leverage the same underlying platform to explore new scientific territories. This ongoing development underscores the innovative spirit behind the technology… a promise of more breakthroughs on the horizon.
Project Impact on Global Sustainability
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – by enhancing safety in pharmaceuticals and personal care products
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – through precise monitoring of water quality
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure – by pioneering advanced microbial detection methods
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – ensuring efficient use of resources in microbial analysis
Industry Recognition and Future Outlook
The project’s innovative contributions have been recognized far and wide. Awards such as the 2025 TROPHÉE ALSACE EXPORT People’s Choice Award and the 2024 TROPHÉE INVESTIR L’AVENIR Award have celebrated the breakthrough nature of this approach. Other accolades, including the TECH TOUR European Innovation Award in 2024, The Water Council’s BREW ACCELERATION PROGRAM award in 2023, and multiple prestigious national awards, have formed a robust portfolio of recognition. These achievements, ranging from design excellence as seen with the JANUS AWARD by the French National Design Institute to innovation prizes from the French Ministry of Research, signal a bright future. The technology stands as a testament to an ingenious mix of precision, speed, and versatility, poised to drive forward the fields of microbial detection and beyond.
