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A Portable Biosensor for Francisella tularensis

Award Information
Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Branch: National Institutes of Health
Contract: 1R43AI055145-01
Agency Tracking Number: AI055145
Amount: $100,000.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: N/A
Solicitation Number: N/A
Timeline
Solicitation Year: N/A
Award Year: 2003
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): N/A
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
RADIATION MONITORING DEVICES INC 44 HUNT ST
WATERTOWN, MA 02472
United States
DUNS: N/A
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 CLARK EDSON
 (617) 668-6828
 CEDSON@RMDINC.COM
Business Contact
Phone: (617) 926-1167
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Radiation Monitoring Devices, Inc. proposes to design and build a portable bacteria sensor to identify Francisella tularensis, a CDC Category A agent of bioterrorism, in the field. The instrument will consist of a disposable microfluidic platform for carrying out the fluorescence labeling and immunocapture steps and a fluorescence detector utilizing our single-photon sensitive Geiger-mode micro avalanche photodiodes (muAPDs). muAPDs are rugged and can be battery-powered due to their low power requirements. The addition of appropriate collectors would permit detection and identification of bacteria in the air, soil, water and clinical material. The proposed Phase I studies include exploratory and optimization experiments in three areas: (1) fluorescent labeling of F. tularensis by non-specific DNA dyes or, if necessary, by fluorescent antibody; (2) selective immunocapture of the labeled bacteria by monoclonal antibody-coated magnetic beads; and (3) construction of a detector and analysis of the fluid flow of the labelled bacteria through poly(dimethylsiloxane) microchannels. Phase II studies will include development and testing of prototype microfluidic devices, final design of the muAPD detection system, integration of the microfluidics platform with the detector, and evaluation of the ability of the integrated prototype instrument to detect and identify F. tularensis.

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

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