Individual Final Project

Project Description

I want to develop a synthetic biology-based point-of-care diagnostic platform that can rapidly detect cholera toxin and toxin co-regulated pilus antigens in stool and environmental samples within 15-30 minutes using engineered cell-free biosensors integrated into a paper-based microfluidic device.

The system employs single-domain antibodies recognition elements fused to split T7 RNA polymerase domains that reconstitute active enzyme only upon antigen binding, driving colorimetric reporter expression for visual result interpretation requiring no laboratory infrastructure or specialized training.

Aim 1: Design and validate a dual-channel cell-free biosensor that detects cholera toxin and toxin co-regulated pilus, demonstrating reliable, rapid results without living cells or laboratory infrastructure.

Aim 2: Embed the biosensor into a paper-based diagnostic strip and test it on real clinical and environmental samples, confirming accuracy, stability in tropical climates, and readiness for field deployment.

Aim 3: Create an adaptable platform for rapid infectious disease detection anywhere in the world from cholera to pandemic pathogens enabling real-time outbreak surveillance and early containment in resource-limited settings.