Progress 06/01/15 to 01/31/16
Outputs
Target Audience:The initial target audience for the mycotoxin detection system was envisioned to be dairy cattle growers; however, monitoring corn grain along the process of harvesting, storage, and trading is a broader scope of application to the subject development. There are a number of entry points in the grain processing industry. Our strategy towards market entry is anticipated through active collaboration with CTB, Inc. A subsidiary division, Shore Measuring Systems (SMS), has been in communication with IOS to identify the unique market position that the IOS platform can serve. SMS is the distributor for VICAM test kits for agriculture applications, but a more cost-effective assay would enable more frequent sampling and testing. IOS and SMS are discussing a market entry strategy based on the current market size. Changes/Problems:Neither changes nor issues were encountered in the course of Phase I development. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?
Nothing Reported
How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?In the course of this development, IOS has reached out to a number of potential collaborators in the area of scalable manufacturing and technology licensing partners. Although the end users are livestock growers, the broader market is in grain production. To establish a level of interest in this technology, IOS has shared key development steps and current assay performance with potential partners. The goal of the IOS technology is to eliminate the need for a multi-step sample preparation process, and offer high-sensitivity detection via novel aqueous-based extraction. Accurate quantification results will be read with a cell phone-based device customized for the excitation and emission of the fluorescence label used in the lateral flow immunoassay. Furthermore, the LFA platform is capable of multiplexing other mycotoxin species such as Fusarium, vomitoxin, and T-2 toxin, thus extending the value of each sample tested. Currently available, certified, lateral flow-based toxin testing devices offer two ranges of sensitivity: 0.5-5 ppm with water-based extraction media offered for most devices, and 5-100 ppb with organic solution extraction (http://www.gipsa.usda.gov/fgis/metheqp/GIPSA_Approved_Mycotoxin_Rapid_Test_Kits.pdf). Among these commodities, the higher sensitivity kits are often associated with organic solvent extraction that involves multiple steps of incubation and separation protocols, in addition to the need for expensive readout devices. In collaboration with VICAM, we are in the process of validating our test platform side-by-side with VICAM's AflaTest. Additionally, we will acquire water-based testing platforms, such as Roamer Labs Inc.'s FluoroQuant Afla C, Thermo Fisher Scientific's SMART DON, and Neogen Corp.'s Reveal Q+ for validation testing. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
All three Phase I technical objectives were met, thereby attaining the overall technical goal - demonstration of feasibility of a lateral flow-based assay for rapid onsite detection of mycotoxin in corn matrix. IOS applied its experience with lateral flow strips and optical detection to develop disposable test strips, a silage/grain sampler/extraction unit, and a portable readout device to simultaneously detect any of several mycotoxins in feed samples. The system builds on technological advances such as: Highly fluorescent labels for selective antibodies with immunospecificity for sensitive detection, not impaired by mold species cross interference/response Minimal sample treatment Custom preservation techniques for ultrastabilization and extended field usage without the need for refrigeration Simultaneous detection of several mycotoxins by a single test strip, with a high degree of specificity Disposable strip design for cost-effectiveness Adaptable LFA cell phone readout by Holomic, LLC capable of modification for future applications. In summary, in Phase I IOS identified the working assay components for the aflatoxin B1 assay and the optical settings for cell phone readout, with the assay results demonstrating sensitivity and reliability superior to those of current tests. By the end of Phase II, the system is projected to be suitable for mycotoxin testing in crops, and in food processing and storage facilities. Building on the commercialization contacts made in Phase I, we will continue our discussions with prospective marketing partners to ensure the aflatoxin B1 test kit will meet commercial expectations as a competitive product. Major markets we have identified include the military, food and beverage production, civilian federal agencies, and water treatment plants. Based on a rough estimate of $10 per test (test strip and sampler) and <$1,000 as a one-time cost for the cell phone reader, we have also evaluated the estimated market size for each sector. We have been collaborating with CTB, Inc. to commercialize sensors recently developed by IOS (funded through USDA SBIR grant 2012-33610-19990) for monitoring the air in enclosed livestock facilities to detect ammonia, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen sulfide levels. We plan to continue this collaboration to bring the current mycotoxin detection platform to market.
Publications
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