Phage Array Biosensor for Detection of Biowarfare Agents

"Agave BioSystems, in collaboration with Professor George Malliaras of Cornell University, proposes to develop a unique and innovative biosensor based on induced luminescence of captured BW bacterial agents and organic light emitting diode (OLED)technology. The system would use an array of bacteriophage engineered to express fluorescent protein in infected BW agents. The specificity of the phage provides capture of only targets of interest, while the infection of the bacteria and naturalreplication of the expressed protein will provide the detection signal. Using novel OLED arrays, a phage array chip can be constructed similar to DNA chips for multianalyte detection. The combination of the phage array approach with OLED detectionallows development of a powerful biosensing system that does not require additional labeling, sample manipulation, or complex instrumentation.Agave BioSystems was completely successful in completing the Phase I program and demonstrating proof-of-concept for this innovative technology. In the Phase II program, we will complete the development of a prototype analyser and micro-assay chipssuitable for detection of biowarfare or bioterroists bacterial agents of interest. Potential markets include the food processing, environmental, medical and agricultural sectors. Relevant examples include the detection of Listeria monocytogenes in dairyfoods and detection of multi-drug resistant bacteria in hospitals and clinics. All bacteria responsible for these outbreaks are susceptible to phage infection, and thus are likely candidates for detection by the phage array biosensor."