Molecularly Imprinted, Conducting Polymer-Based Sensors for Infectious Prions

Since their identification in the early `80s, pathogenic and infectious proteins called prions have been linked to a number of degenerative neurological diseases in humans and animals. The diagnosis and tracking of these transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) is difficult because it can require testing of brain, spinal chord, or lymphatic tissues, often collected post-mortem. Testing requires costly and time consuming antibody-based assays that must be performed by highly trained personnel. TDA Research, Inc. proposes to develop low-cost sensors for infectious prions using molecularly imprinted, conducting polymer materials. This project will focus on the detection of chronic wasting disease (CWD) and will be performed in collaboration with the Wildlife Research Center of the Colorado Division of Wildlife.