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Inexpensive, Field-Portable, Rugged, Voltammetric Sensors Based on Functionalized Microporous Membranes, with ppb Sensitivity, Multi-Analyte Dis

Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: Army
Contract: W912HZ-14-P-0059
Agency Tracking Number: A132-079-0584
Amount: $99,993.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: A13-079
Solicitation Number: 2013.2
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2013
Award Year: 2014
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2014-05-16
Award End Date (Contract End Date): 2014-11-16
Small Business Information
9 Red Coach Ln
Holmdel, NJ 07733
United States
DUNS: 000000000
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: Yes
Principal Investigator
 Prasanna Chandrasekhar
 President
 (732) 739-1122
 chandra.p2@ashwin-ushas.com
Business Contact
 Prasanna Chandrasekhar
Title: President
Phone: (732) 739-1122
Email: chandra.p2@ashwin-ushas.com
Research Institution
 Stub
Abstract

This work proposes ruggedized, microporous membrane-based sensors for detection of multiple inorganic and organic analytes in the environment based on a modification of voltammetric techniques. It leverages ongoing work at this firm for the Army in voltammetric electrochemical sensors for field sensing of CW agents based on unique membranes having microchip Controllers with Android cellphone control interfaces. Voltammetric techniques are sensitive techniques for detection, quantitation of multiple inorganic/organic analytes present together, in a laboratory setting. However, they are currently impractical/expensive for field use, requiring, e.g., specialized sampling cells, bulky potentiostats, and laptop control interfaces. Other techniques, e.g. AAS, ICP-AES and ICP-MS, are even less practical and more expensive. The proposed technology incorporates three modules: (1) A small, flexible, thin-film, field-rugged, throwaway sensor employing unique, Conducting-Polymer-functionalized, metalized microporous membranes, using both direct and modified-electrode sensing (for specific sensitivity). (2) A tiny (2 cm square), inexpensive (<$4) microchip-based Controller on which a control program resides. (3) Android cellphone-based control interface and results display interfacing with existing Army phone software, e.g. NetWarrior. The latter two modules were developed at this firm for ongoing CW agent sensing work. Data collected specifically for this proposal with ruggedized-sensor prototypes show excellent detection and discrimination of multiple analytes.

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

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