Encapsulated Cell Microfluidic Sensor for Water Toxin Detection

Luna Innovations is developing the field-deployable Portable Analysis of Toxic H2O Samples (PATHOS) that utilizes whole cells as extremely sensitive biological detectors of water toxicants via two different metrics (colorimetric and impedance), resulting in increased reliability and sensitivity to a diverse range of toxicants. The PATHOS will utilize Lunas novel cell encapsulation technology for increased cell viability with decreased maintenance to fulfill the logistical requirements (lifetime, weight, power, etc.) of a field-deployable device. During the Phase I, Luna encapsulated four different cell lines resulting in increased stability, with one cell line demonstrating sustained cell viability for a minimum of 70 days with a significant reduction in media requirements. The Phase II will focus on increasing cell lifetime (>90 days), demonstrating cell sensitivity to a wide range of toxicants for both colorometric and impedance detection, integrating maintence and analysis systems, and fabrication of a prototype for delivery to the U.S. Army. Concurrently, Luna will be working to expand the PATHOS technology for other non-military applications, including devices for rapid response in emergency/disaster situations, for use in anti-terrorism programs at the state and local level, and for use by humanitarian-aid non-government organizations operating in developing countries.