The Science of DairyGuard®
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Ensure milk quality and improved herd health with DairyGuard®, a powerful and affordable molecular platform for comprehensive milk pathogen analysis. Our advanced regenerative multiplexing technology identifies a wide range of bacteria in a single milk sample – including key mastitis pathogens, biofilm-forming bacteria, and spoilage organisms – without the need for culturing – at a very affordable cost.
DairyGuard® empowers dairy farmers to quickly pinpoint the exact source of milk quality issues related to herd health, milking equipment, or environmental factors, leading to faster problem-solving and improved profitability.
DairyGuard® accommodates various milk sample types, including fresh, frozen, reconstituted milk powders or even those treated with Bronopol. These milk samples can be obtained from the udder quarters of individual cows, through to pooled samples of dairy herds, either from milking lines, bulk tanks or dairy trucks, offering flexibility in sampling, collection and handling.
A Multiplex Approach — Direct from Milk
A Multiplex Approach — Direct from Milk
In the lab, DNA is directly extracted from the submitted milk sample. This crucial step bypasses the time-consuming and potentially unreliable traditional culturing methods.
90 milk samples can be tested simultaneously per single run, with up to 900 samples run within a staggered configuration per day.
Extracted DNA then undergoes a proprietary Polymerase Chain Reaction (AELA PCR) process. This amplification step selectively multiplies specific DNA sequences unique to various bacteria with higher sensitivity than other currently used PCR techniques. Fluorophore labels are attached to the amplified DNA for subsequent detection.
The labeled, amplified DNA is then introduced to a specialized microarray. This array contains unique spots, each embedded with specific oligo probes designed to bind to the DNA of a particular microbial species. If a specific pathogen's DNA is present, it will selectively bind (hybridize) to its corresponding oligo probe on the array.
Sophisticated software analyzes the pattern and intensity of the signals on the array. This analysis identifies the specific milk-borne pathogens present in the sample and quantifies their levels, even at very low concentrations. The results are typically available within approximately 8 hours.
After the test is complete, the previous signal can be denatured from the array and washed away without impacting the quality of the array itself. Once the signal is removed from the array, it is ready to be tested with a new milk sample. Plates can be regenerated up to 20 times before needing replacement.
The comprehensive, semi-quantitative report details the identified pathogens, empowering dairy farmers to pinpoint the exact source of milk quality problems. This could be related to herd health management, issues with milking equipment sanitation, or environmental contamination. This timely information allows for targeted interventions, improved animal welfare, and enhanced milk production.
Beyond DairyGuard®
Beyond DairyGuard®
Beyond its success in DairyGuard®, the versatile regenerative multiplexing microarray technology offers a powerful platform across the life science industry. Capable of analyzing diverse probe molecules like RNA, peptides, and lipids, it enables rapid advancements in areas such as antibiotic resistance testing, food safety, and probiotic development within dairy. More broadly, its high-throughput capabilities can revolutionize drug discovery, biomarker identification, personalized medicine, and environmental monitoring, making it a key technology for diverse scientific innovations.
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