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Novel Raman Probes for Intracellular Spectroscopy of Signaling Pathways (PSI-7265-230)

Award Information
Agency: Department of Energy
Branch: N/A
Contract: DE-FG02-05ER84295
Agency Tracking Number: 79728S05-I
Amount: $99,995.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: 04 a
Solicitation Number: DE-FG01-04ER04-33
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2005
Award Year: 2005
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): N/A
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
20 New England Business Center
Andover, MA 01810
United States
DUNS: N/A
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Mitchell Zakin
 Dr.
 (978) 689-0003
 zakin@psicorp.com
Business Contact
 B. David Green
Title: Dr.
Phone: (978) 689-0003
Email: green@psicorp.com
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

79728S The real-time intracellular monitoring of signaling pathways represents the next step in the elucidation and control of complex biological processes at the molecular level. Contrast agents or probes are required for molecular targeting and visualization of individual signaling events. Metallic nanostructures that produce surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) come closest to being the ideal intracellular probe. In previous work, a reproducible metallic SERS nanoprobe has been developed, and an increase in the Raman cross-section of cytochrome c (cyt-c), the key signaling protein in apoptosis, was demonstrated. This project will use the metallic nanoprobes to demonstrate the real-time detection of cyt-c release in viable cells that are stimulated to enter apoptosis. Phase I will demonstrate the delivery of multiple intact nanoprobes into cells with retention of cell viability and apoptotic function. These probe-loaded cells will be stimulated to enter apoptosis, and the temporal profile of cyt-c concentration will be measured. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The nanoprobes should have the potential to elucidate intracellular signaling pathways at an unprecedented level of detail, providing capabilities for military medicine, civilian medicine, drug discovery, and clinical diagnostics.

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

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