Nanoparticle Based Lateral Flow Microarray Test Strip Assay

Nanoparticles exhibit unique optical properties that can be exploited in the development of highly sensitive assay systems. This proposal describes the development of a lateral flow test strip microarray that will utilize nanoparticles amplification to detect waterborne pathogens. Waterborne pathogens have been chosen for this study, because they can cause severe illness, and even death, and therefore the identification of these pathogens in water is critical. This proposed system will be field-usable, easy to operate, and inexpensive. Furthermore, it sill have very high sensitivity and muliplex capabilities to allow detection of several different pathogens simultaneously in a single assay. In the proposed Phase I project, the lateral flow test strip microarrays will be designed incorporating the nanoparticles amplification strategy, and a sensitive and inexpensive handheld reader will be fabricated. The Phase I feasibility will be demonstrated by simultaneously testing three different pathogens in a water supply. We will demonstrate the ability of this technology to meet of exceed the performance of laboratory base ELISA test kits. We will also describe the path that will lead to truly multiplexed assay in Phase II and beyond. The successful completion of this project will result in an indispensable tool to be used in water treatment facilities. It will also be beneficial in food testing and medical applications. Beyond these civilian uses, the proposed technology will be useful for detecting pathogens in military environments.