Muscat, Oman — Researchers at Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) have developed a portable sensor capable of rapidly detecting harmful pathogens — particularly bacteria — in food and water samples. The United States Patent and Trademark Office has granted the university a patent for the innovation in 2026.
The device was developed by Dr. Htet Htet Kyaw, Dr. Myo Tay Zar Myint, Professor Mohammed Al-Abri, and Professor Salim Al-Harthi, from Sultan Qaboos University's Nanotechnology Research Centre and the Department of Physics at the College of Science.
Conventional pathogen detection methods typically require specialised laboratory facilities, trained personnel, and several days to produce results — conditions that make timely, field-based testing difficult. Bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites can contaminate fruits, vegetables, processed foods, raw meat, and surface water, and bacterial infections remain among the most common threats to public health globally.
The newly patented sensor addresses these limitations through its portability and ease of use, making it suited for field inspections, remote settings, and routine environmental monitoring. Its compact design also opens possibilities for integration into mobile devices, potentially enabling personal, real-time testing.
The recent patent marks a key milestone in moving this research beyond the lab. It paves the way for commercialization, enabling industry partnerships and scalable real-world applications.