A promising prostate cancer diagnostic test, bacteriophages to control salmonella in chickens and synthetic stretchy skin are the winners in a new round of proof-of-concept grants from the NSW Government.

Ten grants of up to $100,000 have been awarded to Sydney companies under the NSW Department of State and Regional Development’s BioBusiness proof-of-concept scheme.

Winners include Minomic, which is developing a proteomics-based urine test for prostate cancer; VetPhage, a company allied to Cellabs and Special Phage Services, which is developing bacteriophages for use in chickens bred for human consumption; and Elastagen, to produce a synthetic injectable form of tropoelastin for cosmetic and surgical applications.

Other winners include Human Genetic Signatures, which is developing a rapid diagnostic for MRSA; and Protech Research, which is developing enzyme technology to capture gluten lost in food processing.

Medical device companies NeuStent, Dosimetry and Imaging, E-Nose and Cellixe have also received grants.