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Micromachined biocalorimeter with picojoule sensitivity

Award Information
Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Branch: National Institutes of Health
Contract: N/A
Agency Tracking Number: 1R43RR016157-01
Amount: $198,733.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: N/A
Solicitation Number: N/A
Timeline
Solicitation Year: N/A
Award Year: 2001
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): N/A
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
175 CLEARBROOK RD
ELMSFORD, NY 10523
United States
DUNS: N/A
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 DAVID OSTERMAN
 () -
Business Contact
Phone: (914) 592-1190
Email: ELIE@HYPRES.COM
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

DESCRIPTION (Verbatim from the Applicant's Abstract): Microcalorimetry is a
critical technique for the measurement of cell metabolism, the identification
of drug effects on specific cell types, and the study of protein folding,
structural transitions and other biological phenomena. We propose to
revolutionize this field with a micromachined biocalorimeter that is faster (15
msec time constant) than conventional devices, more sensitive (2 picocalories
for 10 second integration) and inexpensive enough to be disposable. The device
will feature one or more sample spaces etched into a silicon chip. Unlike
earlier micromachined calorimeters, the high sensitivity is obtained in air,
and without the need of a surrounding vacuum, making the new device ideal for
studies of cellular metabolism. The high sensitivity will enable detection of
much smaller sample volumes than ever before, thereby reducing the time to
prepare and investigate many biological reactions. It will also permit the
detection of metabolic changes in many fewer cells than before, in some cases
in a single cell. Besides basic research in cellular metabolism, enzyme
function, functional genomics, and others, disposable "PicoCalorimeters" will
have a major commercial application to drug development and evaluation, and the
detection of a wide range of toxins in liquid samples.
PROPOSED COMMERCIAL APPLICATION:
The proposed "PicoCalorimeter" will enable pharmaceutical researchers to evaluate the
effects of experimental drugs on specific cell types, in a rapid, disposable test that will
require very small volumes of drug. They will also contribute to an understanding of gene
function, by identifying protein folding and other transitions controlled by genes.

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

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