The security of our nation’s borders is crucial in protecting American agriculture, food supplies, natural resources, and the economy. Continuous threats from invasive species, including various pathogens, pose significant risks to these sectors. Failure to detect these species at the border can lead to widespread ecological damage, economic losses, and public health concerns. Effective detection and inspection systems are essential to prevent the spread of invasive species and safeguard native biodiversity and ecosystem integrity.
To help mitigate these threats, CBTS has partnered with Dr. Junqi Song at Texas A&M AgriLife Research for a new research project titled “Development of Integrated Multiplexed Sensing Platforms for Rapid Ultrasensitive Detection of Invasive Pathogens”.
Project Objective
We propose to develop integrated multiplexed sensing platforms to simultaneously detect multiple invasive and/or quarantined pathogens with diverse lifestyles, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, and oomycete pathogens. These platforms build upon a recent pioneering development of a patent-pending LAMP chip for detecting an invasive oomycete pathogen, Phytophthora infestans, by integrating LAMP, nanotechnology, and smartphone technologies.
These cutting-edge platforms allow for fast, ultrasensitive, and label-free detection of multiple pathogens in under 30 minutes, whether in a laboratory or point-of-care environment. Additionally, the design of the LAMP primers, which are immobilized directly on the sensor, enables the attachment of LAMP products to the sensor. This significantly reduces the risk of carry-over contamination, a common challenge with traditional LAMP methods, making the technology more reliable and suitable for broader applications.
This research aims to deliver a prototype of an integrated sensing platform that enables rapid, high-sensitivity pathogen screening. The multiplexed platform is designed to be cost-effective and scalable, with the potential to support high-throughput pathogen detection at border points. By pairing the successful development of these tools with comprehensive training, this project will enhance detection accuracy while minimizing inspection bottlenecks, thereby preserving the economic benefits of trade.