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Development of biological based nanoparticles for improved smoke/obscurant formulations

Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: Army
Contract: W911SR-12-C-0012
Agency Tracking Number: A11A-026-0232
Amount: $95,027.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: STTR
Solicitation Topic Code: A11a-T026
Solicitation Number: 2011.A
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2011
Award Year: 2012
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2012-02-06
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
13170G Pond Springs Road Suite 5
Austin, TX -
United States
DUNS: 807519264
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Robert Chin
 President
 (512) 219-8588
 rchin@genexpressinfo.com
Business Contact
 Rick Virgne
Title: CFO
Phone: (512) 944-7470
Email: rvirgne@genexpressinfo.com
Research Institution
 University of Texas at San Antonio
 James P Chambers
 
One UTSA Circle
San Antonio, TX 78249-
United States

 (210) 458-5663
 Nonprofit College or University
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.

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

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