This federal Project Grant award from the National Science Foundation (NSF) Engineering program (CFDA 47.041) provides $308,000 in funding to Purdue University to develop new diagnostic technologies for detecting the Cyclospora cayetanensis parasite, which often contaminates produce and can lead to disease outbreaks.
The key objectives are to: (1) discover DNA aptamers that can specifically recognize and bind to Cyclospora cayetanensis, and (2) integrate these aptamers into a paper-based microfluidic device for field-ready diagnostics. This work aims to enable rapid, affordable, and accurate detection of this unculturable parasite, especially in areas lacking specialized laboratory facilities. The project addresses the critical gap in diagnostic tools for this pathogen, which can significantly improve public health by preventing future outbreaks. No sub-awards are planned under this grant.
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