Microfluidic Optical Biosensor for Detection of Biowarfare Agents

This STTR Phase I project will develop a microfluidic optical biosensor based on whispering gallery mode resonator technology for the detection of bioterrorism agents. The proposed device will bridge biological sciences with optics and material sciences to develop a commerically useful tool for homeland security. This microfluidic optical biosensor proposed by Agave BioSystems, in collaboration with Dr. Robert Boyd of the Institute of Optics at the University of Rochester, has the potential to detect low levels of pathogens within minutes after air sampling has been completed and will not be prone to the ambiguous results associated with PCR based detection technologies. The device relies on measuring the direct absorption of biological materials on the whispering gallery mode resonators by monitoring their effect on the light resonating within its microcavity. The proposed device will respond to the specific capture of Bacillus anthracis spores by antibodies on the resonator surface. By coupling the detection mechanism to a microfluidic delivery system, the device will have the potential to be automated and rely on small sample volumes. The microfluidics will be designed and fabricated at the wafer-level using glass wafer etching to embrace the current trend in the microsystems industry.