About This Project
The overuse of antibiotics in agriculture, particularly in poultry farming, is a major contributor to the global threat of antibiotic resistance. This project aims to develop an affordable, accessible lateral flow assay (LFA) to detect tetracycline residue in poultry products and raise awareness about antibiotic resistance in the food web among students, teachers, farmers, and the general public.
Ask the Scientists
Join The DiscussionWhat is the context of this research?
Antibiotic resistance is a growing public health threat. Studies show a rise in resistant bacteria linked to overuse of antibiotics in poultry farming. These resistant bacteria can spread to humans through food, potentially making common infections untreatable. Interaction with the poultry farmers and review of literature made us to focus on Tetracycline as an one of the over used antibiotics. Consumers deserve a choice but are often unaware of the use of antibiotics in poultry. The available detection methods range from 300 to 100 USD. Our project attempts to bridge this gap by developing a test for antibiotics in poultry through frugal techniques and educating consumers and farmers about responsible antibiotic use.
What is the significance of this project?
Antibiotics are losing their power. Overuse of antibiotics in farms creates antibiotic resistant bacteria, making life-saving drugs. Antibiotic resistance is a global threat. It can make simple infections deadly. Exploring antibiotic resistance can have a significant impact on public health. This project tries to tackle the problem in two ways:
Empowering Consumers: We're creating a cheap, easy test for tetracycline in poultry. Unlike expensive lab tests, this lets people choose poultry free of harmful antibiotics.
What are the goals of the project?
Antibiotic overuse in farms is creating dangerous "superbugs" resistant to life-saving medicines. Our project tackles this head-on! We'll develop a cheap, easy-to-use test for antibiotics in poultry, empowering you to choose antibiotic-free food. We'll also educate students, teachers, and farmers about the dangers of antibiotic misuse and alternative disease prevention. By working together, we can slow the rise of superbugs and protect public health – all within this project's timeframe and budget.
Budget
Budget for our project is 4700 USD. We will utilize to develop a low-cost lateral flow assay for on-site detection of tetracycline in poultry products, leveraging the specificity of aptamers as the sensing vehicle.
Furthermore, the funds will facilitate the design and implementation of immersive educational programs, employing experience-based training modules to raise awareness about antibiotic resistance in the food chain among students, teachers, and farmers.
The experiment platform charge of 8% as platform fees and 2.9% processing charges is also included in the funding target. Through this comprehensive approach, combining frugal detection methods and hands-on educational initiatives, we aim to combat the pressing issue of antibiotic resistance in the food chain, promoting responsible practices and sustainable future.
Endorsed by
Project Timeline
We will first work on coming up with a detection method of antibiotic. After completion of completion of LFA prototype and validation of accuracy we will develop the educational module and pilot it with teachers, students, butcher and farmers. After incorporating the the feedback and proper evaluation we will launch full fledged program with schools and farmers. Once everything is done we will publish the work.
Apr 02, 2024
Project Launched
Jun 30, 2024
Frugal method for detection of Antibiotics
Jul 30, 2024
Module development for Teachers and Students
Aug 30, 2024
Piloting and Evaluation
Jan 31, 2025
Completion of community awareness campaigns
Meet the Team
Team Bio
We as a team are united by a shared mission to combat antibiotic resistance and promote awareness about this critical global health issue. Avanish is an engineer turned educationist. He works with teachers and students.He has experience of working for teacher professional development of diverse groups of STEM teachers. Rida, a biotechnology expert, designs cutting-edge biosensors for precise antibiotic detection.
Avanish Singh
I am an engineer turned educationist. I have a experience of working with diverse groups of teachers and students. I am passionate about adding experiences to science education and solve pressing problems using science as a tool.
Rida
My journey in science began with the wonders of milk in dairy science, but my curiosity soon led me to explore the invisible world of nanotechnology. This insatiable curiosity is what drives me to research frugal science—developing innovative solutions with limited resources.
Currently, at BITS-Pilani Goa, I'm designing low-cost biosensors to monitor agricultural runoff, ensuring sustainable farming practices. But my path wasn't linear. I've engineered microbubbles for targeted drug delivery and synthesized fluorescent nanoparticles for bioimaging. These diverse experiences fuel my ability to think creatively and solve problems.
My passion for science extends beyond the lab. I've mentored students, raised awareness about environmental issues, and advocated for women's education in science. I believe science should be accessible and impactful, and frugal science embodies that spirit.
Additional Information
Project Backers
- 1Backers
- 100%Funded
- $4,700Total Donations
- $4,700.00Average Donation
