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Development of biological based nanoparticles for improved smoke/obscurant…

Award Information

Agency:
Department of Defense 		Branch:
Army 		Award ID:
 Program Year/Program:
2012 / STTR
Agency Tracking Number:
A11A-026-0232 		Solicitation Year:
2011 		Solicitation Topic Code:
A11a-T026 		Solicitation Number:
2011.A
Small Business Information
GENEXPRESS INFORMATICS, INC.
13170G Pond Springs Road Suite 5 Austin, TX -
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Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No
 
Phase 1
Fiscal Year: 2012
Title: Development of biological based nanoparticles for improved smoke/obscurant formulations
Agency / Branch: DOD / ARMY
Contract: W911SR-12-C-0012
Award Amount: $95,027.00
 

Abstract:

Studies have shown the potential health and environmental hazards associated with hexachloroethane (HC) and terephthalic (TA) smoke/obscurants. In order to avoid using these materials, new chemical formulations are needed to address toxicological concerns and yet still maintain Grenade Figure of Merit (FOM) requirements. GeneXpress Informatics (GXI), Dr. John Conkling, Adjunct Professor of Chemistry at Washington College (MD), and Dr. James P. Chambers, Professor & Director Division of Life Sciences at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) propose to develop non-toxic freeze dried biological magnetite for use as an extremely hygroscopic ingredient to new smoke formulations. GXI proposes a three-prong approach. First, GXI/Conkling will determine the functional requirements of a biological based smoke/obscurant including the material hygroscopicity, FOM, YF, and screen size of 3m high by 10m long with build-up cloud of 6secs with duration of 90secs. Secondly, GXI/Chambers will spectroscopically examine and identify bacteria organisms with various axial ratios suitable for smoke/obscurant applications. Finally, GXI/Chambers will investigate the feasibility of changing/enhancing the hygroscopic characteristics. The materials developed in this program will be extremely hygroscopic and will be capable of"growing"in size when dispersed into the air, thereby producing a yield factor (FY) of at least 2.

Principal Investigator:

Robert Chin
President
(512) 219-8588
rchin@genexpressinfo.com

Business Contact:

Rick Virgne
CFO
(512) 944-7470
rvirgne@genexpressinfo.com
Small Business Information at Submission:

GeneXpress Informatics Inc.
13170G Pond Springs Road Suite 5 Austin, TX -

EIN/Tax ID: 742959079
DUNS: N/A
Number of Employees:
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No
Research Institution Information:
University of Texas at San Antonio
One UTSA Circle
San Antonio, TX 78249-
Contact: James P. Chambers
Contact Phone: (210) 458-5663