Recombinant Measles Virus for Waterborne Pathogen Detection and Treatment

A novel system utilizing a recombinant measles virus expressing Zika virus prM and E proteins for detecting and monitoring waterborne pathogens, treating wastewater, and preventing Zika virus transmission in mosquitoes and agricultural settings.

The original patent disclosed a recombinant measles virus expressing Zika virus prM and E proteins for vaccine development. However, this technology has limitations in addressing the growing concern of waterborne pathogens and Zika virus transmission in non-human settings. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by applying the core technology to an entirely different industry, field, or problem, providing a novel solution for waterborne pathogen detection, wastewater treatment, and Zika virus prevention.

The inventive concept comprises a recombinant measles virus expressing Zika virus prM and E proteins, engineered to target and bind to specific waterborne pathogens, facilitating their detection and removal from wastewater. The system can be used for monitoring and tracking the spread of Zika virus in agricultural settings, and for treating and preventing Zika virus transmission in mosquitoes. The recombinant measles virus can be immobilized on a surface to create a biosensor for detecting Zika virus in food products, providing a rapid and accurate detection method.

The new claims introduce a novel application of the recombinant measles virus technology, expanding its use beyond vaccine development to address waterborne pathogen detection, wastewater treatment, and Zika virus prevention. The inventive step lies in the engineering of the prM and E proteins to target specific waterborne pathogens, and the development of a system for detecting and monitoring these pathogens in various settings.

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept include the use of different viral vectors, such as adenovirus or lentivirus, to express the Zika virus prM and E proteins. Variations of the system could include the use of different detection methods, such as PCR or ELISA, and the development of portable or handheld biosensors for on-site detection.

The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in the water treatment, agricultural, and food safety industries. The system could be marketed as a solution for detecting and monitoring waterborne pathogens, treating wastewater, and preventing Zika virus transmission in mosquitoes and agricultural settings. The biosensor component could be marketed as a rapid and accurate detection method for Zika virus in food products.