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Novel Methods for Rapid Detection of Infection Agents and the Severity of Cellular Damage

Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency
Contract: W31P4Q-08-C-0417
Agency Tracking Number: 08ST1-0060
Amount: $99,000.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: STTR
Solicitation Topic Code: ST081-003
Solicitation Number: 2008.A
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2008
Award Year: 2008
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2008-08-19
Award End Date (Contract End Date): 2009-10-31
Small Business Information
6519 Dumbarton Circle
Fremont, CA 94555
United States
DUNS: 803607154
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Aiguo Zhang
 Principal Investigator
 (510) 378-3758
 azhang@diacarta.com
Business Contact
 Yunqing Ma
Title: Chief of Staff
Phone: (510) 818-2656
Email: yma@diacarta.com
Research Institution
 UNIV. OF ROCHESTER
 Donna Beyea
 
ORPA (RC Box 270140) 518 Hylan Building
Rochester, NY 14627
United States

 (585) 275-8036
 Nonprofit College or University
Abstract

The development of early detection methods to aid in the identification of virulent infectious pathogens is of strategic importance so that exposed warfighters and other individuals can be treated early or appropriately quarantined. We are currently developing a nucleic acid-based assay that can selectively and sensitively detect and quantify the RNA or DNA specific to a broad range of pathogens in the blood of infected individuals. In addition, the assay might also be useful for detection of radiation exposure and for following the severity of tissue damage during an infection. The assay has the following advantages: 1) it is comparable to real-time PCR in terms of sensitivity and accuracy in dsDNA and superior for RNA pathogens; 2) it has a standard curve for precise quantification, which is better than cycle number used in real-time PCR; 3) it can be expanded to multiplex bead systems for simultaneous detection of a large number of pathogens; 4) it does not have the complexity of real-time PCR methodology that requires training and experience; and 5) the result is read-out by chemiluminescent substrate using a portable and durable luminometer, which can be handheld and low cost.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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