Through the grant, the scientists will synthesize a library of tailored carbohydrates. They will then incorporate these synthetic molecules into multiple diagnostic platforms and evaluate their performance to detect influenza using clinical human samples. As in their other collaborations, Iyer's research group will create the molecules in their lab that then go to Weiss' lab to be tested.

Successful completion of this project is expected to lead to the development of rapid, robust, user-friendly diagnostics for influenza virus.

"It is really exciting to find solutions to basic problems in infectious diseases," says Weiss. "Such advances require an interdisciplinary approach. Our team consists of synthetic chemists, microbiologist and clinicians."

"Early and accurate detection of influenza strains is critical for effective countermeasures, especially since new strains - for example, the 2009 H1N1 strain - can spread rapidly," says Iyer. "There is an urgent need to develop diagnostics to detect and type the particular strain and we are excited to work on this problem."

Source: University of Cincinnati