SBIR/STTR Award attributes
GeneCapture is proposing to use its rapid CAPTURE assay (Confirm Active Pathogens Through Unamplified RNA Expression) to identify the pathogen(s) in wound infections. The pathogen Infection Diagnostic (ID)test takes place in a disposable cartridge that integrates and automates the sample prep steps and determines the genetic signature of the pathogens present. The assay is based on immobilized stem loop probes that are designed to bind to the pathogenic RNA. Once bound, the captors indicate the presence and concentration of the pathogens as measured by quantitative fluorescence. The assay has been validated for several ESKAPE pathogens. Once the pathogen is identified, our planned fully integrated system will perform a rapid phenotypic Antibiotic Susceptibility Test which will measure labelled pathogen-specific bacterial growth in the presence of specific antibiotics, and controls, in a disposable cartridge. Each test (ID and AST) is expected to report in approximately 30 minutes. A single portable reader instrument is proposed which will accept both the ID and AST disposable cartridges. This enzyme-free protocol is designed to operate in austere environments, does not require cold chain for any of the disposables or consumables, and the reader can be operated by battery power.
