PHYLLOTECH INC — Department of Agriculture SBIR Phase I: Quorum-sensing (QS) allows bacterial populations to coordinate gene expression in a cell-d
PHYLLOTECH INC — SBIR Phase I award from Department of Agriculture.
Phase I SBIR feasibility signal
- Phase I awards fund proof-of-concept work. For capture teams, they mark early interest from Department of Agriculture in a technical approach.
- Watch for Phase II follow-ons from the same firm/topic family — that conversion path is where budgets and transition pressure rise.
- Obligated amount $100,000. Cross-check similar awards in the same agency and technology tags for going-rate context.
- Amount
- $100,000
- Agency
- Department of Agriculture
- Program / Phase
- SBIR · Phase I
- NAICS
- —
- Place of performance
- WI
- Period
- —
Description
Quorum-sensing (QS) allows bacterial populations to coordinate gene expression in a cell-density dependent manner and plays a significant role in plant pathogenesis. In gram-negative bacteria, QS is mediated by signaling molecules called acyl-homoserine lactones (AHLs). Our technological innovation is the use of an AHL-degrading enzyme to inactivate the AHL signals of bacterial phytopathogens and reduce their abilities to cause plant disease. Our first objective is to produce the enzyme in both bacterial and plant systems and test its efficacy against signal molecules. Our second objective is to test the ability of the enzyme to reduce disease caused by numerous phytopathogens, either through exogenous application of the heterologous protein or through the use of a producing bacterial strain as a biocontrol agent. Our goals are to demonstrate that the enzymatic degradation of AHLs can be utilized for the control of diseases and to understand the importance of quorum-sensing signal degradation in bacterial infection.