This project aims to develop a phage-based product (VTP-100) that will contain a mixture of lytic phages effective against a variety of hatchery strains of Vibrio tubiashii. V. tubiashii is a major cause of larval shellfish mortality, which results in increased costs to the aquaculture industry and consumer. Therefore, if our V. tubiashii phage preparation is successfully commercialized, its use could have a very significant impact on reducing larval mortality in hatcheries and, potentially, on reducing the cost of producing and buying oysters. On a more general level, if the results of the studies proposed in this application support our idea that lytic phages may be effective in managing V. tubiashii-associated mortality of oyster larvae, the same platform technology could be used to develop similar phage-based products against other bacterial pathogens of concern to the aquaculture industry. The studies proposed in the present Phase I SBIR application are designed to conduct research required to obtain data critical for our subsequent development and commercialization of VTP-100. Phase I SBIR funding will be critical for conducting research with our V. tubiashii bacteriophages, which will provide a foundation for our subsequent Phase II SBIR R & D efforts and for obtaining regulatory approvals and aiding the product's commercialization.
