Our Technology
Innovation with purpose.
With our hydrogel platform at the cornerstone and an internal focus on developing One Health products, we are building a wide-ranging platform to support our mission of detecting and deterring disease.
DRUiD’s hydrogel Biosensor
Superabsorbent Polymers (SAPs) are materials capable of absorbing and retaining many times their own weight in fluid.
Traditionally used in products like pads, diapers, and tampons, SAPs rapidly swell upon contact with liquids, forming a stable, gel-like structure.
DRUiD’s innovation goes further. We embed both biosensors and biochemical assays directly within the SAP matrix, turning the material into responsive diagnostic devices.
When exposed to a biological sample, such as urine or blood, the biosensor:
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Hydrates into a hydrogel, creating a biocompatible environment for sensing.
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Activates embedded assays, enabling the detection of key biomarkers (e.g. pathogens, hormones, inflammatory markers)
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Acts as a built-in filter, separating relevant analytes from particulates or excess proteins for cleaner, more accurate signal detection.
This smart, passive system enables real-time diagnostics with no additional reagents or manual steps, making it ideal for the next generation of biosensor platforms.
Technology Development
At DRUiD, we follow a systematic innovation approach to technology development, ensuring that only robust, verified, and scalable innovations move forward into product development.
Our technology maturity framework bridges the gap between scientific discovery and commercial viability.
We develop new technologies in three key stages:
1) Proof of Science – We establish the scientific foundation, validating fundamental principles and conducting feasibility studies to assess technical potential.
2) Prototype Viability – We refine and optimise our technology through iterative prototyping and laboratory-based verification to ensure performance reliability.
3) Technical Verification – Before transitioning into product development, we focus on technical verification to ensure the technology is repeatable, reliable, and manufacturable at scale.
Core functional benefits
Volumetric precision
SAP absorbs a fixed, known volume of biological fluid. (e.g. urine, blood, water)
Enables precise rehydration of assays, ensuring reproducible reagent concentrations.
Critical for quantitative accuracy and high signal-to-noise ratios.
Self-Activating Hydrogel
Upon hydration, SAP transforms into a stable hydrogel matrix.
Provides a consistent medium for biochemical reactions.
Supports optimal diffusion dynamics for reaction kinetics.
Built-In Sample Conditioning
Acts as a passive filter, removing particulates and viscous components from complex fluids.
Enhances assay performance by reducing background noise and non-specific interactions.
On-Demand Activation
Keeps assays in a dry, stable state until fluid is absorbed.
Only activates upon contact with sample, supporting long shelf life and environmental stability.
Uniform Sample Presentation
Ensures even distribution of fluid across the sensor or assay region.
Avoids pooling, uneven flow, or variable sample loading—common failure points in paper-based systems.
Adaptable by Design, Powerful by Nature.
Engineered to turn unprocessed fluids into precise diagnostic outputs.
Human Health
Empowering accurate, sample-driven testing for infections, hormones, and chronic conditions—anywhere, anytime.
Animal Health
Enabling early disease detection on the farm or in the field with rapid, no-lab diagnostics.
Water & Fluid Monitoring
Detecting pathogens, toxins, and contaminants in water systems with real-time precision and minimal infrastructure.
Environmental Sensing
Supporting high-sensitivity testing in soil, wastewater, and agricultural systems for ecosystem-level insights.
Supply Chain Safety
Bringing traceability, allergen detection, and spoilage monitoring into food systems—fast, scalable, and cost-effective.