Point of Injury Sampling Technology for Battlefield Molecular Diagnostics

In this project Optofluidics, Inc. proposes to develop the Molecular Medic a point-of-care device for sample collection, processing, and quantification of blood-borne biomarkers. The technology is based on (1) a finger prick assay, (2) a capillary-driven blood filtration system, (3) a novel"nanofluidic collapse"protein concentration technique and (4) a mutliplexable, reconfigurable, ultrasensitive Nanoscale Optofluidic Sensor Array. Key to the envisioned success of the Molecular Medic, is the combination of the most sensitive mass sensor (to our knowledge) with a novel concentration technique that, together will allow a point-of-care device to have comparable performance to a benchtop clinical test. The Molecular Medic builds on the success of the sample processing system that is currently nearing development completion in Phase I. Our initial focus is on diagnosing traumatic brain injury using a marker panel developed by our collaborators at Banyan Biomarkers. With nearly 2 million cases of TBI per year (globally) we expect to have a major impact beyond the military"s interest. With our devices untrained personnel, first responders or clinicians without convenient access to a clinical lab could diagnose with great certainty the presence of injuries and diseases and make more streamlined and informed decisions regarding treatment.