Bradford Scientists Slash Infection Diagnosis Time from Days to Minutes
University of Bradford spin-out Molecular Titans Ltd has created nanotech that diagnoses infections like UTIs in minutes, transforming rapid healthcare testing.
Waiting days for test results could soon be history. Scientists at the University of Bradford have developed and patented an innovative diagnostic method that identifies bacterial or fungal infections in mere minutes—potentially transforming healthcare globally. The team behind the breakthrough is now actively seeking venture capital investment to fund clinical development and accelerate commercial rollout.
From Lab to Life: A Real-World Solution
Dr Thomas Swift and Professor Steven Rimmer have launched Molecular Titans Ltd, a University of Bradford spin-out, to bring their cutting-edge polymer nanotechnology into clinical use. The test can rapidly and accurately detect organisms causing infections like UTIs and eye conditions—sometimes even before symptoms worsen.
“Our test can diagnose the organism almost immediately,” said Professor Rimmer, now Chief Scientific Officer at the company. “That could transform how we treat infections and avoid unnecessary delays that put people at risk.”
What It Does—and Why It Matters
The breakthrough polymer technology acts like a microscopic trap: capturing and binding target bacteria or fungi within minutes. Instead of waiting days for lab results, this smart diagnostic tool could deliver fast, precise identification at the point of care.
“This could revolutionise diagnosis,” said Dr Swift, the company’s Managing Director. “It will save time and money, reduce patient anxiety, and ultimately lead to better outcomes.”
Beyond UTIs and eye infections, the test has potential for diagnosing infections during surgery, in veterinary care, and even food production—offering applications across health and safety industries.
How It Works
Developed over two decades, the patented system uses unique polymer materials that unfold or collapse at specific temperatures. When they encounter an infectious agent, they bind selectively and create a measurable reaction—akin to a ‘heat-triggered lock’ snapping shut.
“Think of it like a molecular mousetrap,” explains Professor Rimmer. “It only springs when it meets the right bacteria or fungi.”
With over 40 peer-reviewed publications and successful in vitro testing, the science behind the tech is well-founded and ready for commercial scale-up.
Global Momentum + Investment Opportunity
Molecular Titans Ltd is actively seeking venture capital investment to fund clinical trials and bring the technology to market. The company is already collaborating with the L V Prasad Eye Institute in India, where the technology has been incorporated into smart contact lens test kits. Pre-clinical testing has shown promising results, and Dr Swift will travel to India in July to advance plans for human trials.
This work is supported by an Innovate UK ICURe Explore award, following international engagements in Rome, Lisbon, Ulm, Newcastle, Birmingham and London.
Scientific Recognition, Patents & Publications
The technology was recently presented at the World Congress on Infectious Diseases in June 2025, held in Barcelona, Spain, where it received strong interest from global health leaders and researchers.
Two key patents underpin the innovation:
- Hydrogel compositions (triple hydrogels) – GB PCT/GB2019/051367
- Polymer Conjugates – GB PCT/GB2019/051369
Among the 40+ peer-reviewed papers published since 2005, three recent highlights include:
- Photophysical, thermal and imaging studies on vancomycin functional branched poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide)
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2024, 12, 11996–12006
- Evaluation of ligand modified poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide) hydrogel for etiological diagnosis of corneal infection
Experimental Eye Research, 2022, Vol. 214, 108881
- Semi-interpenetrating Polyurethane Network Foams Containing Highly Branched Poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide) with Vancomycin Functionality
ACS Appl. Bio Mater. 2021, 4(5), 4319–4327
These studies demonstrate the pre-clinical efficacy and safety of the platform, paving the way for future clinical validation.