Project Title: The Development of Cellulose-Binding Protein (CBP) Fusions for Use in Rapid Diagnostics The University of Kent and Austin Davies
Austin Davis Biologics (ADB) is developing a unique new microfluidic platform which is designed to provide stable, fast, accurate, and cost-efficient diagnostic tests. Existing lateral flow technology (LFT) is an example of the way microfluidics can manipulate and analyse fluids through the use of a network of tiny channels within the nitrocellulose strip. Although very effective, the technology has changed little since its inception in 1987. The new ADB technology builds upon the well-established strengths of LFT while overcoming its major limitations, Nitrocellulose, an essential material for existing LFT it’s relatively unstable (high-nitrate explosive versions were historically known as gun cotton) which is a serious hazard for bulk manufacturing by suppliers. It is also subject to batch inconsistency and the inherent fragility of the membrane form limits the flexibility that would be needed for development of new test formats. Cellulose has often been suggested as an alternative to nitrocellulose, but its various problems have prevented its widespread adoption for rapid assays. However, ADB’s new approach successfully dispenses with nitrocellulose and adopts a novel device configuration that enables the efficient use of cellulose. The result is an exciting new rapid assay platform, in which the inherent properties of cellulose can be turned into performance advantages for medical and veterinary diagnostics. Several essential innovations must be combined to master cellulose as a high performing test surface. One of the most important is the use of cellulose-binding proteins to optimise and control the binding of antibodies or antigens where they are needed. This project will develop ways for attaching cellulose-binding proteins to antigen and/or antibody reagents, either chemically or as recombinant fusion proteins to enhance and control the binding of capture reagents to the test surface. Success will bring the diagnostic tests in development closer to a point of large-scale manufacturing and real-world use.
About the Industry Partner
Austin Davis Biologics Ltd (ADB) delivers scientific innovations and technology focused on equine health and parasite diagnostics. They have developed and make available a range of diagnostic tests, including the EquiSal® Tapeworm, a saliva test to diagnose tapeworm infections in horses, an equivalent blood test for tapeworm and the Small Redworm Blood Test. In addition to their veterinary diagnostic services, ADB undertakes research and development in parasitology through to development of novel diagnostic tests within the veterinary sector. ADB’s highly skilled and very experienced diagnostic scientists also offer scientific consultation in a wide range of sectors.