The practical application of QD-labeled phage to the detection of biological threat agents

There is an unmet need for a bio-detection system, to detect biological threat agents, that is fast, sensitive, specific, portable, and economical. The combination of quantum dots with bacteriophage that are specific for these pathogens offers a very novel response to this need. Lynnetch proposes to develop a multiplex, platform assay that uses a genetically engineered phage labeled with highly fluorescent quantum dots to serve as sensitive and specific probes to detect these biological agents. The multiplex capabilities of the system are complex. First, we will develop probes that detect multiple targets on a single pathogen ? increasing user confidence and decreasing the number of false positives associated with the assay. Second, the system will be capable of detecting multiple pathogens in a single test. Last, the platform-based assay is designed to be readily adaptable to multiple pathogens and biological biomarkers outside the realm of biological warfare agents.