Ceres Diagnostics is developing a molecular pathogen detection platform for the food industry that identifies RNA from targets like Salmonella and Listeria directly, eliminating the need for DNA amplification used in PCR-based tests. The technology operates in an ELISA-compatible format and uses a proprietary ReBu sample preparation solution to degrade pathogen cell walls and expose RNA for detection. This approach delivers rapid turnaround at immunoassay-level pricing while integrating with existing lab automation workflows.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
Foodborne pathogens such as Salmonella and Listeria cause millions of illnesses and billions in economic losses annually, yet conventional testing methods are slow and costly. The complexity of modern supply chains amplifies vulnerability, and the food industry faces mounting regulatory scrutiny, reputational risks, and operational disruptions without diagnostics that match the speed of today's marketplace.
Solution
Ceres Diagnostics is developing a transformative pathogen detection technology that delivers molecular precision and speed with breakthrough efficiency. The platform detects the RNA of target pathogens without needing to amplify DNA like existing PCR-based molecular tests, substantially accelerating response time while reducing costs. Samples are collected into a proprietary "ReBu" solution that degrades pathogen cell walls in food samples and exposes RNA for detection, enabling a rapid turnaround at ELISA or immunoassay test prices. The system is highly automatable, increasing lab efficiency and lowering overall testing costs substantially at scale using existing lab workflows and automation platforms for easy adoption.
Target Audience
Primary customers are food testing laboratories, quality assurance teams within food production and processing companies, and environmental testing facilities that require rapid, cost-effective pathogen screening across the supply chain.
Features
- Direct RNA detection technology that eliminates the need for DNA amplification, unlike conventional PCR-based methods
- Proprietary ReBu sample collection solution that degrades pathogen cell walls and exposes RNA for detection
- ELISA-compatible form factor that integrates seamlessly into standard laboratory workflows
- Rapid turnaround time with a 24-hour critical window for early intervention success
- Cost-effective testing priced at ELISA or immunoassay levels rather than premium molecular test pricing
- Highly automatable design that increases lab efficiency and lowers testing costs at scale using existing automation platforms