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Microfluidic Optical Biosensor for Detection of Biowarfare Agents

Award Information

Agency:
Department of Defense 		Branch:
Army 		Award ID:
78070 		Program Year/Program:
2006 / STTR
Agency Tracking Number:
A064-026-0240 		Solicitation Year:
N/A 		Solicitation Topic Code:
N/A 		Solicitation Number:
N/A
Small Business Information
Agave BioSystems, Inc.
P.O. Box 100 Ithaca, NY -
View profile »
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No
 
Phase 1
Fiscal Year: 2006
Title: Microfluidic Optical Biosensor for Detection of Biowarfare Agents
Agency / Branch: DOD / ARMY
Contract: W9132T-06-C-0029
Award Amount: $100,000.00
 

Abstract:

This STTR Phase I project will develop a microfluidic optical biosensor based on whispering gallery mode resonator technology for the detection of bioterrorism agents. The proposed device will bridge biological sciences with optics and material sciences to develop a commerically useful tool for homeland security. This microfluidic optical biosensor proposed by Agave BioSystems, in collaboration with Dr. Robert Boyd of the Institute of Optics at the University of Rochester, has the potential to detect low levels of pathogens within minutes after air sampling has been completed and will not be prone to the ambiguous results associated with PCR based detection technologies. The device relies on measuring the direct absorption of biological materials on the whispering gallery mode resonators by monitoring their effect on the light resonating within its microcavity. The proposed device will respond to the specific capture of Bacillus anthracis spores by antibodies on the resonator surface. By coupling the detection mechanism to a microfluidic delivery system, the device will have the potential to be automated and rely on small sample volumes. The microfluidics will be designed and fabricated at the wafer-level using glass wafer etching to embrace the current trend in the microsystems industry.

Principal Investigator:

Joel Tabb
6072720002
jtabb@agavebio.com

Business Contact:

Noe Salazar
President
5126711369
nsalazar@agavebio.com
Small Business Information at Submission:

AGAVE BIOSYSTEMS, INC.
P.O. Box 80010 Austin, TX 78708

EIN/Tax ID: 161551819
DUNS: N/A
Number of Employees:
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No
Research Institution Information:
THE UNIV. OF ROCHESTER
The Institute of Optics
Rochester, NY 14627
Contact: Robert Boyd
Contact Phone: (585) 275-2329
RI Type: Nonprofit college or university