FRET-Aptamer Assays & Handheld Reader for Nerve Agent Metabolites

Operational Technologies Corporation (OpTech) proposes to couple the speed and ultrasensitivity of one-step (“bind and detect”) fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) detection with the high affinity and selectivity of DNA aptamers (surrogate antibodies) to detect the phosphonic acid derivative metabolites of organophosphorous nerve agents in urine, blood, and other body fluids. In Phase I, OpTech will develop assays for the known metabolites of Sarin (GB) and Soman (GD, methyl phosphonic, isopropylmethyl phsophonic, and methylpinococyl phosphonic acids). By the end of Phase I, OpTech will demonstrate the use of these FRET-aptamer assays in freeze-dried form in plastic cuvettes with an off-the-shelf, commercially available, battery-operated, handheld fluorometer. In Phase II, OpTech will refine the existing metabolite assays and add metabolite assays for Tabun (GA), VX, and any other nerve agent metabolites of interest. In addition, in Phase II OpTech will partner with a well-known local optoelectronics engineering firm to produce its own version of the handheld fluorometer, which will meet military specifications. OpTech will then deliver the integrated sensor system to the Army for independent testing and evaluation.