Chem-Bio Sensors Employing Novel Receptor Scaffolds

The goal of this SBIR Phase I project is to develop supersensitive MPD enabled, binding assays for detection of BW agent using aptamers as the capture molecules instead of antibodies. Multi Photon Detection (MPD) is the most sensitive methods for protein detection and achieved a few zeptomole sensitivity. MPD enabled immunoassays will be developed first and from these Super-ELISA methods will be developed that will use not radioactive materials. Assays will be developed for one example of each type of BW agent: a protein toxin, botulism toxin, a bacterium, Bacillus anthracis, and a virus, Vaccinia as a surogate for smallpox. Sensitivities of about one virion per liter of air are expected, which is about 100-fold more sensitive than prior art P-chip-based detectors for multiple viral targets. The broader impact of these activities lies in the application of proteomics methods to the detection of pathogens that have the potential to be used as biological weapons (BW) by armies or terrorists. The methods developed may deliver better tests for the rapid and sensitive detection of these pathogens. Such improved tests would improve the security of US troops in the field as well as the civilian population at home.