I-Corps: Aquaculture Diagnostics

这个I-Corps项目更广泛的影响/商业潜力是探索水产养殖业诊断的翻译。病原体每年给水产养殖业造成约60亿美元的损失，无论养殖地点或规模如何，病原体都是养殖户面临的最大挑战。需要快速、低成本的诊断测试来减轻疾病的影响，改善种群的整体健康。拟议的技术可纳入方便用户的测试，供农民在现场进行，无需额外的设备或培训。结果易于阅读，可以为农民提供行动计划。 这个I-Corps项目的基础是开发一种平台技术，以便对水产养殖疾病病原体进行快速现场诊断检测。与使用抗体作为检测剂的传统测试不同，这种灵活和自适应的技术利用生物工程蛋白质快速结合目标分析物，在纸基测试中产生稳定，一致和易于阅读的比色结果。该测试通过将样品施加到测试条的表面来工作，其中生物工程蛋白质捕获存在的任何目标分析物。当样品流过纸层时，会发生放大低信号的反应，以提高灵敏度。当暴露于光时，化学反应开始，在短短10分钟内产生易于解释的比色结果。农民可以将这种颜色与浓度联系起来，并采取适当的措施来减轻疾病的影响。该奖项反映了NSF的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的知识价值和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。

The broader impact/commercial potential of this I-Corps project is to explore translation of diagnostics for the aquaculture industry. Pathogens cost the aquaculture industry approximately $6 billion a year and are the greatest challenge to farmers regardless of location or size of operation. Rapid, low-cost diagnostic tests are needed to mitigate disease impacts and improve overall stock health. The proposed technology may be incorporated into user-friendly tests for farmers to perform on-site, without additional equipment nor training. The results are easy-to-read and can inform an action plan for the farmer. This I-Corps project is based on the development of a platform technology to produce rapid, on-site diagnostic tests for aquaculture disease pathogens. Unlike conventional tests that use antibodies as detection agents, the flexible and adaptive technology utilizes bioengineered proteins to rapidly bind a target analyte creating stable, consistent, and easy-to-read colorimetric results in a paper-based test. The test works by applying a sample to the surface of the test strip where the bioengineered proteins capture any target analyte present. As the sample flows through the paper layers, reactions occur that amplify low signals for increased sensitivity. When exposed to light, a chemical reaction is initiated that results in an easily interpretable colorimetric result in as few as 10 minutes. The farmer can relate this color to a concentration and take appropriate actions to mitigate disease impact. This project will explore relevant parameters for technology translation.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.