Label-free Immunoassay-Based Assessment for Chromate Exposure

ABSTRACT: Several million workers worldwide are estimated to be exposed to chromium compounds. At present there is a medical test that can determine the total amount of chrome in the human body. There are no known physiological tests to determine the exposure of the human body to hexavalent chrome which is a human carcinogen and exposures are regulated by OSHA standard. Lynntech proposes (i) to determine physiological markers for exposure to hexavalent chrome, and (ii) to develop a physiological testing system to determine the exposure of human body to hexavalent chrome using innovative immunoassay platform technology. This system does not require interference-prone colorimetric device or labeling agents like chemiluminescence, fluorescence, nanoparticles, dyes, etc. In addition, the assay platform is simple and not labor intensive, thus, it can be modified to detect multiple antigens simultaneously. It is envisioned that entire system be automatically controlled. During the Phase I project Lynntech will establish the feasibility of the testing system determining the workplace exposure to chromate using biomarkers identified. BENEFIT: Lynntech"s physiological testing system quantifiably determining chromate exposure has significant dual use commercialization potential to the federal government and private industries. Military applications include determination of exposure of personnel to chromate and mitigation of exposure effects to personnel screening. Civilian applications include screening/confirmation of public & agricultural workers exposure to chromate.