Norovirus Detection Dipstick

To address the U.S. Army need for novel technology that is able to detect norovirus infection at the onset of symptoms, be able to test unprocessed samples, incorporate all necessary controls, be compatible with use in an austere environment, and provide users with automated results interpretation, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new Norovirus Detection Dipstick (NDD) device that combines a lateral flow immunochromatography technique and lab-on-chip principles. The key components of the NDD device include a novel design of the dipstick compartments and use of synthetic binders. These innovations will allow military personnel to detect and identify noroviruses in unprocessed stool specimens. In Phase I, POC will demonstrate the feasibility of the NDD device concept by developing a prototype that will be able to detect a single norovirus simulant and discriminate from another simulant, both spiked into human fecal specimen. In Phase II, POC plans to further develop the norovirus reagents to include the ability to detect genogroup I, genogroup II and genogroup IV in clinical samples. POC will produce a pre-production prototype demonstrating potential military utility. Also, POC will deliver the pre-production prototype for DoD laboratory evaluation.