Kāhu Bio

Meet Kāhu Bio.

Kāhu Bio develops sensing solutions to detect trace chemicals in liquids. We leverage the extraordinary sensing capabilities of microorganisms, hone these to precision through bioengineering techniques and then couple the organisms to novel integrated circuit devices for an electronic readout. This creates a unique bioelectronic sensor platform for real-time monitoring and detection of critical analytes in water and other liquid media.

The team

James Flewellen

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About Us

I'm a biophysicist based at the Centre for Engineering Biology. I have a background in developing tools and techniques for single-cell and single-molecule studies across a range of areas: from the microbiological to the human immune system. Outside of the day job, I'm a wine enthusiast, with a small wine education business, and I enjoy choral singing and practising yoga.

Problem

We provide real-time sensing of trace chemicals in liquids, replacing the need for slow laboratory analysis of grab samples.

Solution

Kāhu Bio has developed a unique method for detecting and monitoring trace chemicals (e.g. metal ions, nutrient molecules, metabolites, toxins, etc) in water and other liquids. We have a small, low-power device into which a water sample is placed or pumped. Microorganisms, bioengineered to respond to the chemical of interest, detect the chemical and their response is transduced through our unique bioelectronic interface circuitry. The result is a fast, electronic output signal that gives you a real-time reading of chemical concentration and which can be integrated to other sensors and circuitry.

Market

Users or suppliers of water who need to monitor trace amounts of critical chemicals. E.g.- aquaculture (fresh & seawater)- drinking water- industrial water applications- construction & mining industry- ports & harbour authorities- environmental monitoringDownstream applications include chemical detection in liquid biopsies in humans and livestock.

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