Self assembling and targeting smart biomaterials for Dengue virus diagnostics and therapeutics

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This grant relates to the detection, prevention and treatment of Dengue virus infection. The virus is a mosquito borne virus that infects 100 million individuals worldwide. In its severe form it can cause death in 5% of the individuals. Two strains of this virus is now also prevalent in North America. The objectives of this research in collaboration with a Canadian company (Cangene Inc, Winnipeg and Toronto) is to develop smart biomaterials for detection and treatment of the disease. More specifically, a simple swab or dipstick based immunoassay will be developed for non-invasive detection of infected individuals. Similar antibodies are also to be tested for prevention and treatment of infection in tissue culture and mouse models of dengue viral infection.