Receptor-Conjugated Nanoparticles for Fluorescent Biowarfare Agent Detection and Microwave-Assisted Neutralization in Buildings

NanoScience Diagnostics Inc. (NSD) and Texas State University (TxSU) plan to build on NSD's very successful Phase I STTR project in which the utility of fluorescent nanoparticles (NP)-antibody conjugates for both detection and decontamination of bacteria (as models of biological threat agents) on building interior surfaces was verified. During Phase I, NSD discovered confidential and proprietary properties of fluorescent NPs that enable one-step, homogenous assays without wash steps and the rapid, potent killing of bacteria. These facts afford sensitive detection and effective decontamination in a single step following spraying of antibody-NP conjugates onto building interior surfaces with or without microwave irradiation. Microwave irradiation will used to ensure sterilization of building interiors following binding of receptor-NP conjugates to target biological threat agents. In Phase II, the NSD-TxSU team will develop, optimize, package, and deliver several different biological threat agent fluorescent NP-based immunoassay test kits to use with a compact scanning spectrofluorometer to be developed in conjunction with Taboada Research Instruments (San Antonio, TX). TxSU will provide key support in nanomaterials (including relevant materials characterization expertise/resources like electron microscopy, fluorescence analysis, etc), and serve as a resource for additional collaborative chemistry and biochemistry support for the project if needed.