The Application of Stable Bacteriophages for the Detection of Biological Threat Agents

Biological warfare is a major threat that currently burdens the armed forces, as well as the general public. There is an unequivocal need for a detection system that is capable of identifying these threats in a reliable and timely manner, under a variety of environmental conditions. When considering the plight of today’s warfighter, the system needs to be portable, low power, and be able to detect multiple pathogens, with minimal operator training, and no special storage or set-up requirements. Bacteriophage (phage) offer an excellent means to achieve this desired detection. During our Phase I study, Lynntech confirmed the stability of phage, as a lateral-flow diagnostic probe. We demonstrated detection of a B. anthracis surrogate over a 33-week period, using a phage-based lateral flow system. During Phase II, we will expand assay capabilities with the detection of a second biothreat agent, Y. pestis. Development and expansion of our phage-based Lateral Flow Assay will include studies to further extend the shelf-life of the phage, confirm product endurance, and demonstrate sensitivity and specificity with respect to target detection.