SBIR Phase I: Feasibility assesment for Stachybotrys chartarum and Aspergillus fumigatus ELISA kits

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)Phase I project will investigate a biotechnological approach to rapidly detect two notorious toxin-producing fungi. Indoor fungal growth related to water leaks and floods can induce a variety of disease symptoms. The presence of some fungi, like Stachybotrys chartarum , can cause severe morbidity. Unfortunately, the detection of harmful fungi, like Stachybotrys, has been hampered by inadequate methods. The proposed research will determine the feasibility of developing a rapid detection method for toxigenic fungi that could be used at any test site. The primary objective of this research is to isolate a diffusible spore molecule from S. chartarum spores and one from A. fumigatus spores for the development of an antibody-based detection kit. The molecules will be extracted in saline solution to mimic diffusion into lung linings and used for polyclonal antibody development. If successful, the antigens will be used for monoclonal antibody development in a Phase II project. This will allow for the development of a rapid, on-site testing kit to detect potentially dangerous fungal organisms quickly and inexpensively. The commercial application of this project will be in the area of diagnostics linked to human health and animal health.