Development of a Novel Virus Capture System using Positively Charged Silica Matrix

The objective of this Phase II research project is to build upon the successful feasibility study completed during Phase I and complete the research required to commercialize functionalized silica beds for virus detection and point-of-use treatment applications. The primary objectives are to develop two products: (1) a virus “capture-and-release” bead for use in human enteric virus and coliphage monitoring, and (2) a “capture-only” bead for point-of-use treatment applications. The research will focus on assessing the compatibility of eluates generated using the “capture and release” bead with downstream enumerative assays (both culture-based and molecular-based assays will be evaluated using waters seeded with human enteric viruses). In addition, the research will focus on validation of the “capture-only” bead for point-of-use water treatment and optimization of methods for commercial-scale bead production (more than 1 kg of functionalized beads per batch). Two silica formulations will be produced and validated for virus concentration and point-of-use treatment applications. The functionalized silica beads that will be synthesized during Phase II research will have several commercial applications as low-cost human enteric virus and viral indicator (coliphage) concentration/detection products and for incorporation into personal water purification devices.