Multiplex Aptamer-Based Sensor for Mosquito-borne Viruses

Operational Technologies Corporation (OpTech) has patents pending for: 1) one-step plastic-adherent aptamer-magnetic bead (MB) plus aptamer-quantum dot (QD) sandwich assays (that have already been successfully applied to ultrasensitive detection of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever under a recent SBIR project), and 2) a multiplex cartridge in which the assays self-assemble as they traverse fluidic channels and adhere to plastic windows. Various sized QDs are utilized with a monochrome light source to enable simultaneous multicolored emissions for each type of captured pathogen present in a sample. OpTech originally developed this concept for rapid (< 15 minute) food and water safety testing, but can apply it to mosquito-borne virus detection and other clinical diagnostics as well in panels of 20 or more analytes. In Phase I, OpTech will develop DNA aptamers that distinguish Chikungunya, Dengue, and West Nile viruses and team with the Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) to develop a cartridge and portable fluorometer design for Phase II development. OpTech will attempt to demonstrate multiplex assay potential in Phase I by use of a spectrofluorometer and commercially available handheld fluorometer. OpTech will also deliver 100 prototype assays to the DoD at the conclusion of Phase I for independent testing and evaluation by the military.