Abstract: The present disclosure, according to some embodiments, relates to phage-based biological detection systems, compositions, and methods. In some embodiments, it relates to a detection system and method using phage binding and bacterial infection to detect the presence of a target molecule (e.g., a toxin). One detection system may include a genetically engineered phage that expresses a surface molecule able to bind a target molecule and/or target microorganism; a bacterium susceptible to infection by the phage; and a detection component able to determine whether the bacterium has been infected by the phage. Infection of a bacterium by a phage may be indicative of phage binding to the target molecule and/or target microorganism.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods, devices, systems and compositions for detecting and/or modifying chemical agents. In some embodiments, a biosensor may be configured to detect a chemical agent, modify that agent to a form with reduced toxicity, and/or detect the modified form of the chemical agent. The present disclosure also relates, in some embodiments, to variant organophosphorus hydrolase having one or more desirable amino acid substitutions.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods, devices, systems and compositions for detecting and/or modifying chemical agents. In some embodiments, a biosensor may be configured to detect a chemical agent, modify that agent to a form with reduced toxicity, and/or detect the modified form of the chemical agent. The present disclosure also relates, in some embodiments, to variant organophosphorus hydrolase having one or more desirable amino acid substitutions.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to yeast biocatalysts and methods of using yeast biocatalysts for detoxifying a biowarfare agent. In some embodiments, a yeast biocatalyst may include a nucleic acid encoding a phage lysin operably linked to a prepro leader sequence, an expression control sequence operably linked to the nucleic acid, and a bioeffective amount (e.g., enough to detoxify) of the phage lysin. A yeast biocatalyst may include an engineered strain of a Saccharomyces cerevisiae. A phage lysin may be selected from the group consisting of PlyG and PlyPH. A method of detoxifying a biowarfare agent may include contacting a biowarfare agent with a yeast biocatalyst under conditions that permit detoxification. Conditions that permit detoxification, according to some embodiments, may include conditions that permit expression and secretion of a phage lysin. In some embodiments, conditions that permit detoxification may include conditions that permit germination of a spore.

Abstract: The present disclosure, according to some embodiments, relates to phage-based biological detection systems, compositions, and methods. In some embodiments, it relates to a detection system and method using phage binding and bacterial infection to detect the presence of a target molecule (e.g., a toxin). One detection system may include a genetically engineered phage that expresses a surface molecule able to bind a target molecule and/or target microorganism; a bacterium susceptible to infection by the phage; and a detection component able to determine whether the bacterium has been infected by the phage. Infection of a bacterium by a phage may be indicative of phage binding to the target molecule and/or target microorganism.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a biological detection system and method. One detection system may include a genetically engineered phage that expresses a surface molecule able to bind a target molecule; a bacterium susceptible to infection by the phage; and a detection component able to determine whether the bacterium has been infected by the phage. Infection of a bacterium by a phage may be indicative of phage binding to the target molecule. One method may include placing a sample suspected of containing the target molecule with a binder; adding a genetically engineered phage having reporter genetic material and able to bind the target molecule; washing away unbound phage; releasing phage bound to the target molecule; infecting a bacterium with the released phage; and detecting the presence of any reporter genetic material in the bacterium. Reporter material in the bacterium may correlate with target molecule in the sample.