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

Lynntech proposes to use classical phage genetics to construct bacteriophages that are inherently stable over extended periods of time and are capable of interacting with biological threat agents. We will genetically modify bacteriophages to display peptide ligands that specifically bind the biological threat agent, B. anthracis. These phages will be dried and stored under a number of environmental conditions. Over the course of the study, stored phages will be suspended and evaluated with respect to viability and functionality, using a combination of assays. During the Phase II Research Period, we will expand the capabilities of our system to detect additional biological threat agents. Our objective is to develop a phage-based system that can be used as a medical countermeasure and function under extreme environmental conditions. Lynntechs phage-based system will not only be applicable to medical applications such as diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines, but will also provide the research community with an innovative means to perform phage-display.