Universal Bio-Sample Preparation Module

To address the U.S. Army"s need for a technology platform for automated, universal sample preparation for biosensor systems using small volumes of samples from complex matrices, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a universal bio-sample preparation (UniBioPrep) technology, based on the combination of size-exclusion cleansing and an electrodeless dielectrophoretic (DEP) continuous-flow bio-agents separation technique followed by bio-agent purification, elution, and collection. The innovations in the UniBioPrep module will enable the module to perform biological target separation from low volumes of various complex matrices, purification, desalting if needed, concentration, and collection automatically, without use of specific reagents, and in only 5 minutes. In Phase I, POC will demonstrate the feasibility of the UniBioPrep module by developing a benchtop prototype capable of separating and collecting individual classes of biological targets from a mixture in buffer in less than 15 minutes. In Phase II, POC plans to further develop, refine, and validate the UniBioPrep module, into a module capable of separating the biological targets from complex matrices such as homogenized food, soil, or aqueous sample from an aerosol collector within 5 minutes with the required purity.