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Fluorescence-based Lyobead Assay for Rapid Phage Detection in Bioreactor Systems

Award Number: R43GM164214
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF GENERAL MEDICAL SCIENCES
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 09/01/2026
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 08/31/2027

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Fluorescence-based Lyobead Assay for Rapid Phage Detection in Bioreactor Systems - Project Summary/Abstract Phage contamination is a significant issue in bacterial fermentation processes, particularly in industries such as biopharmaceuticals, dairy, and biochemical manufacturing. In industrial settings where bacterial monocultures are used for efficiency, phage outbreaks can cause fermentation failures and substandard products, with traditional methods such as chemical disinfectants and strain rotation often failing to eliminate them. E. coli and Clostridium-based fermentations, common in biopharmaceutical production, are especially vulnerable due to regulatory constraints that limit mitigation strategies. Despite efforts including sanitation and genetic modifications to enhance bacterial resistance, phages continue to evolve and evade defenses, causing persistent contamination and significant financial setbacks. Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI), in collaboration with the University of Connecticut (UConn), proposes the development of a rapid phage detection system for early-stage identification of phage contamination in industrial bioreactors. This platform features a sampling chamber loaded with freeze-dried, thermally stable fluorescent reporter bacteria, which are reconstituted upon contact with bioreactor samples. Engineered E. coli strains mixed with bioreactor samples enable an integrated optical detection module to monitor fluorescence changes, detecting phage-induced lysis within hours, eliminating the need for batch assays or complex sample prep. A control chamber with a sterile, phage-free sample establishes baseline fluorescence for accurate comparison. If fluorescence drops beyond a set threshold, an alert triggers early intervention. This system addresses a critical gap in biomanufacturing, where phage contamination can cause costly fermentation failures and production delays. Following the successful feasibility demonstration in Phase I, the proposed Phase II effort will mature the technology and validate the phage detection system in an industrial bioreactor process at a local industry site. Additionally, a lyobead library will be developed, incorporating fluorescent strains of commonly used bacterial species in biomanufacturing to serve as standardized reference strains across various fermentation processes. Successful development of this technology will enable early detection of phage contamination, minimize production losses, and improve process reliability in industrial biomanufacturing.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2026 ( Subtotal = $311,847 )
2026	2026	PHYSICAL SCIENCES INC.	20 NEW ENGLAND BUSINESS CENTER DR	ANDOVER	MA	01810	ESSEX	USA	Biomedical Research and Research Training	000	1	8/10/2026	NEW	$311,847
														Subtotal = $311,847

Grand Total All Awards = $311,847

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Fluorescence-based Lyobead Assay for Rapid Phage Detection in Bioreactor Systems

Award Number: R43GM164214

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF GENERAL MEDICAL SCIENCES

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 09/01/2026

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 08/31/2027

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