Mobile ELISA-Based Pathogen Detection System

To address the HSARPA need for a mobile peripheral system capable of performing standard molecular analysis on biological samples from either swabs or liquids for detection of biological threat agents, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop Mobile ELISA-Based Pathogen Detection (MEPAD) system. This proposed device is based on a novel, disposable, microfluidic lab-on-a-chip (LOC) that performs conventional ELISA and is equipped with a unique fiber optic measurement system. The device will be portable, USB-driven, fully-contained, and designed for use by a nonexpert. In Phase I, POC will demonstrate the feasibility of MEPAD system by fabricating a disposable LOC for detection of a single pathogen. In Phase II, POC will build a fully miniaturized prototype with integrated signal processing for detection of common pathogens. MEPAD addresses the urgent need for development of a rapid pathogen detection system that can be used by a first responder at the site of an outbreak. Rapid diagnosis using MEPAD and implementation of appropriate measures in a timely manner will save lives. Current methods are labor intensive, require extensive technical expertise, or nonportable equipment. MEPAD system will be the first mobile, easy-to-use, peripheral platform instrument designed to rapidly detect pathogens with high sensitivity and specificity.