I-Corps: Aquaculture Diagnostics

这个i-Corps项目的更广泛的影响/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，无论在哪里或经营规模，都是农民面临的最大挑战。需要快速、低成本的诊断测试，以减轻疾病影响并改善总体库存健康。拟议的技术可以被纳入用户友好的测试中，供农民现场执行，而不需要额外的设备或培训。结果很容易阅读，并可以为农民提供行动计划。这个i-Corps项目是基于一种平台技术的开发，以产生对水产养殖疾病病原体的快速、现场诊断测试。与使用抗体作为检测试剂的传统检测不同，这项灵活而自适应的技术利用生物工程蛋白质快速结合目标分析物，在纸质检测中创建稳定、一致和易于阅读的比色结果。该测试的工作原理是将样本施加到试纸的表面，在那里生物工程蛋白捕获存在的任何目标分析物。当样品流过纸层时，会发生反应，放大低信号以提高灵敏度。当暴露在光线下时，会发生化学反应，在短短10分钟内就能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，并采取适当的行动来减轻疾病的影响。该项目将探索技术翻译的相关参数。该奖项反映了NSF的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的智力优势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.