Field-deployable CRISPR-based diagnostics for improved biosecurity in aquaculture

PROJECT SUMMARYTitle:Field-Deployable Crispr-Based Diagnostics For Improved Biosecurity In AquaculturePD:Fiore Elizabeth Institution:Sherlock Biosciences Inc.Rapid and accurate health assessment of farmed animals is critical to US aquaculture andagriculture. It is hindered by the cost time and technical expertise required for standard diagnosticmethods resulting in reduced capacity for disease control and production losses. Our goal is totransform US animal production by developing rapid inexpensive sensitive field-deployableCRISPR-based diagnostics that enable farmers to effectively monitor and respond to diseaseoutbreaks validate pathogen-free status of broodstock and screen imported materials for threats.The target pathogen for this Phase I project is White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) a devastatingvirus that disrupts shrimp farm operations worldwide resulting in billions of dollars in lostproduction. WSSV is highly virulent leading to mass mortality such that early rapid detection iscritical to prevent catastrophic losses and mitigate spread. The specific objectives of this project areto (1) advance an established WSSV CRISPR-based diagnostic assay to be compatible with acartridge-based diagnostic device ("PowerLite") developed by Sherlock Biosciences (2) develop asimple field-based sample collection procedure compatible with the CRISPR detection cartridge (3)test the field deployable WSSV cartridge on the "PowerLite" prototype. This innovative technologywould improve biomonitoring practices by enabling shrimp farmers to more rapidly and accuratelyscreen for and respond to WSSV. It would provide a platform that could extend to other animalpathogens that impact US aquaculture and agriculture. This provides a unique business opportunityfor Sherlock Biosciences to expand its technology platform beyond human health to domestic andglobal food security.