Bio-Advise - A Rapid and Fully Automated Biothreat Evaluation Model

In the event of a biological threat, first responders need tools that enable them to rapidly determine if a release is real or a hoax, which requires identifying multiple threat agents from a complex environmental sample. Current threat analysis is costly, time-consuming, and requires complex procedures with considerable expertise to execute. Lynntech s solution is BioAdvise, a simple, self-contained, automated unit with all necessary reagents in sealed disposable cartridges to enable first responders to analyze unknown samples simply and quickly. The system automates sample preparation and an innovative, rapid, multiplexed real-time PCR technology through power and control of two USB connections to a laptop computer. In Phase I, we developed and demonstrated sample processing and identification procedures coupled with a breadboard system to detect an anthrax surrogate in pristine, contaminated, and competitive samples. In Phase II, we will expand upon the work performed during the Phase I to assemble and deliver a fully integrated prototype of the BioAdvise system optimized for performance, power, size, weight, and ruggedness in accordance with needs of the first responder community. Commercialization of the technology through the formation of a spin out SBU will be the vehicle to serve the multi-billion dollar microorganism identification market.