Since the early 1950’s, microbiologists have been studying and utilizing enzymes as a method of detecting bacteria. They discovered specificity of enzymes to specific microorganisms, however most companies stopped using enzyme methods, and switched to antigen/antibody or NAAT technologies in the 1970’s and 1980’s.

VEI, however, has maintained and continued its research and has discovered specific bacterial enzymes for a host of  microorganisms.  Over the years, VEI has developed its proprietary substrates which identify and link to the specific enzymes.

 

VEI’s tests utilize proprietary  substrates which, when hydrolyzed by a specific enzyme (during peptide hydrolysis), produces a fluorescence which can be read by a fluorometer (hand-held or bench-top), or by adding a reagent to make the reaction colormetric.

This is represented in the diagram and is referred to as the “Lock & Key Model of Enzyme Specificity”.

 

 

 

VEI’s technology is ideal for the medical industry and dental industry by enabling diagnosis at Point of Care, usually within minutes from patient sample.  VEI’s test formats are easy to use, and often can be stored at room temperature, thus eliminating the need for laboratory equipment or trained technicians.  This allows for more “in the field” testing, opening up remote locations of the world to improved medical care.

 

 

 

 

VEI’s technology is also ideal for the non-medical industries by providing fast screening results and detecting bacteria within minutes from sample collection.  Even testing for low levels of bacteria (1cfu) can be accomplished within one work shift allowing for food products to be shipped and safely consumed.