Tom Kasputis

My research focuses on developing novel biosensors for detecting foodborne pathogens and emerging viruses. My specialties include CRISPR-based biosensing, microfluidics, and designing nanobody-based on-site sensors.

Through my USDA NIFA AFRI Fellowship, I am building new connections with food suppliers to bridge the gap between biosensors developed within academic institutions and devices deployed within the field.

USDA NIFA Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) Predoctoral Fellowship, 2024 

Center for Advanced Innovation in Agriculture (CAIA) Travel Award, 2024 

ACS Food Security CCC Travel Award, 2023 

Virginia Governor’s School of Agriculture Certificate of Appreciation, 2022 

CeZAP ID IGEP Graduate Student Grant Competition Winner, 2022 

Walts Fellowship, 2021 

Pratt Fellowship, 2021

[1] T. Kasputis, P. Yeh, L. Liu, K. Du, J. Weger, L. Lin, J. Chen. ”Development of a Self-Powered Digital Microfluidic Chip (SP-dChip) for the Detection of Emerging Viruses”, Lab on a chip, 2024, 24, 3490-3497 

[2] T. Kasputis, K. Hosmer, Y. He, J. Chen. ”Ensuring Food Safety: Microfluidic-Based Approaches for the Detection of Food Contaminants”, Analytical Science Advances, 2024, 5 (5) 

[3] T. Kasputis, Y. He, Q. Ci, J. Chen. ”On-site Fluorescent Detection of Salmonella using a Graphene-Oxide CRISPR-Cas12a (GO-CRISPR) System”, ACS Analytical Chemistry, 96 (6), 2676–2683, 2024 

[4] Y. He, T. Kasputis, Q. Hu, S. San, M. Splinter, K. Yin, J. Chen. “CRISPR-based Biosensors for Human Health: A Novel Strategy to Detect Emerging Infectious Diseases”, Trends in Analytical Chemistry, 2023, 168, 117342 

[5] Y. He, Z. Xu, T. Kasputis, X. Zhao, I. Ibanez, F. Pavan, M. Bok, J. Malito, V. Parreno, L. Yuan, C. Wright, J. Chen. ”Development of Nanobody-Displayed Whole-Cell Biosensors for the Colorimetric Detection of SARS-CoV-2”, ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces, 2023, 15 (31), 37184-37192

[6] X. Zhao, M. Rahman, Z. Xu, T. Kasputis, Y. He, L. Yuan, C. Wright, J. Chen. ”Engineered Yeast Displaying Specific Norovirus-Binding Nanobodies for the Concentration and Detection of Human Norovirus in Food Matrix”, ACS Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry, 2023, 71 (22), 8665-8672 

[7] T. Kasputis, S.S. Hilaire, K. Xia, J. Chen. “Colorimetric Detection of Antimicrobial Resistance from Food Processing Facilities Using a CRISPR System”, ACS Food Science and Technology, 2023, 3 (1), 17-22.

Oral Presentations

[1] T. Kasputis, Y. He, J. Chen. ”CRISPR-Cas systems for detecting foodborne pathogens” American Society for Agricultural and Biological Engineers. Jul. 28-31, 2024. Anaheim, CA. (

[2] T. Kasputis, P. Yeh, L. Liu, J. Marano, J. Weger, K. Du, L. Lin, J. Chen. ”Enhancing on-site detection of emerging viruses through microfluidics. Pandemic Prevention Destination Area Symposium” May 13, 2024. Blacksburg, VA.

Poster Presentations

[1] T. Kasputis, Y. He, J. Chen. ”On-site fluorescent detection of microbial contamination using a Graphene-Oxide CRISPR-Cas12a (GO-CRISPR) System” Virginia Tech Graduate and Professional Student Senate Graduate Research Symposium. Mar. 27, 2024. Blacksburg, VA. 

[2] T. Kasputis, Y. He, J. Chen. ”On-site fluorescent detection of microbial contamination using a Graphene-Oxide CRISPR-Cas12a (GO-CRISPR) System” American Chemical Society Spring Meeting. Mar. 17-21, 2024. New Orleans, LA. 

[3] T. Kasputis, Y. He, J. Chen. ”On-site Fluorescent Detection of Salmonella using a Graphene-Oxide CRISPR-Cas12a (GO-CRISPR) System” International Association of Food Protection Annual Meeting. Jul. 15-20, 2023. Toronto, ON, Canada. 

[4] T. Kasputis, J. Weger-Lucarelli, J. Chen. ”Simple, Rapid Digitized Loop-Mediated Amplification (dLAMP) for Zika Virus Detection” Center for Emerging, Zoonotic, and Arthropod-Borne Pathogens (CeZAP) Infectious Diseases Symposium. Oct. 7, 2022. Blacksburg, VA. 

[5] T. Kasputis, A. Allison, L. Harrison. ”Affordable Valved Holding Chamber for Pediatric Asthma in Low-Income Countries” Biomedical Engineering Society Annual Meeting. Oct. 18, 2019. Philadelphia, PA. [6] T. Kasputis, A. Allison, L. Harrison. ”Affordable Valved Holding Chamber for Pediatric Asthma in Low-Income Countries” Virginia Tech Sumer Research Symposium. Aug. 15, 2019. Blacksburg, VA.