Unique, Voltammetric Electrochemical Sensors for Organic Contaminants, with Excellent Discrimination, Based on Conducting Polymer-, Aptamer- and Other-Functionalized Sensing Electrodes

In ongoing and recent prior work for the Army, this firm has developed a unique, patented technology for voltammetric electrochemical detection of toxic gases, chemical warfare agents, proteins such as Thrombin and Fibrinogen and other analytes. Features include: (1) Voltammetric detection yielding analyte "fingerprints" much like an IR spectrum for high discrimination. (2) 3-module construction (disposable sensing element; tiny Microcontroller; Android cellphone control interface). (3) Small (1cmX1cmX1mm), inexpensive ($250), portable, thin, flexible, lightweight (2g), body-wearable, environmentally durable construction. (4) Operating temperature -40 to +80 C. (5) Detection times <5s. (6) Power 10 micro-W/cm^2. (7) Self-calibrating. The proposed work will further develop these for sensing contaminants of interest. It will further develop, optimize sensor, Microcontroller, Android interface, data-analysis algorithms, and sensor Form Factor, all specifically for the NASA application. It will include environmental durability, shelf-life and other tests. Final design and methods of manufacture will be arrived at and commercialization initiated.