A University of Bradford spin-out is seeking venture capital investment to fund the development and rollout of its rapid diagnostic technology.
Molecular Titans was established Dr Thomas Swift and Professor Steven Rimmer to bring their cutting-edge polymer nanotechnology into clinical use.
The diagnostic method can identify bacterial or fungal infections in minutes, and the test can accurately detect organisms causing infections like UTIs and eye conditions – sometimes even before symptoms worsen.
Chief scientific officer, Professor Rimmer said: “Our test can diagnose the organism almost immediately. That could transform how we treat infections and avoid unnecessary delays that put people at risk.”
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.
Managing director Dr Swift, said: “This could revolutionise diagnosis. 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.
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,” said Professor Rimmer. “It only springs when it meets the right bacteria or fungi.”
Molecular Titans 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 is travelling to India to advance plans for human trials.
The company has been supported by the Bradford–Renduchintala Enterprise Ecosystem (BREE) and an enterprise fellowship awarded to Dr Swift.
