Fluorescence-based phage detection to protect industrial bioreactors
Official title: Fluorescence-based Lyobead Assay for Rapid Phage Detection in Bioreactor Systems
Funded at Physical Sciences, INC · NIH-11313706 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A quick fluorescence-based test helps detect phage contamination in bacterial bioreactors before it causes product problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Physical Sciences, INC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Andover, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $311,847 |
| NIH project number | 1R43GM164214-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11313706 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
N/A for this non-patient-facing grant; applicable to industrial bioreactor operations seeking contamination control.
✕Less likely to help
This project does not involve human participants or directly benefit individual patients.
What this research studies
This project develops a rapid, on-site phage-detection system for industrial bioreactors by using freeze-dried, fluorescent reporter bacteria that reconstitute with reactor samples. When phages infect the reporter bacteria, fluorescence changes are detected by an integrated optical module, signaling contamination within hours. The approach aims to replace slow batch assays and reduce downtime by enabling early intervention to protect fermentation processes in biopharmaceuticals, dairy, and biochemical manufacturing. The collaboration between Physical Sciences, Inc. and the University of Connecticut leverages engineered E. coli strains to monitor phage activity while adhering to regulatory constraints. The goal is a practical tool that helps maintain monocultures, improve product quality, and lower financial losses due to phage outbreaks.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this platform could dramatically shorten detection time for phage contamination, reducing batch failures and increasing product quality.
How similar studies have gone: Previously studied phage detection methods have shown promise, but this rapid fluorescence approach is a novel integration designed for industry use.
Where this research is happening
-
Physical Sciences, INC
Andover, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cai, Grace — Physical Sciences, INC
- Study coordinator: Cai, Grace
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.