Dual-mode nanosensory platform for Citrus Tristeza Virus detection

Independent of the field (human health, agriculture, etc.) it is clear that early detection is the only solution to prevent epidemics. Our dual-mode nanosensory platform is a disruptive concept that utilizes two detection modes in a single biosensor chip. In the case of Citrus Tristeza Virus, current detection is slow, expensive, requiring constant human interference and laboratory conditions with plenty of consumables and energy, is not amenable to field operation, and results in only a small portion of introduced pathogens actually being detected before diseases become widespread. Vector control personnel and epidemiologists rely on time consuming, manual methods that often come too late to prevent epidemics, requiring expensive remedial actions such as blanket pesticide applications over entire regions. The dual-mode nanosensory platform will allow for efficient monitoring for the presence of disease in the field with very low false signaling. This will be useful not only for vector and disease management but also bio-detection in homeland security, health care, agroenvironmental fields and food safety markets, all markets conservatively evaluated at $2 billion per year.