Microfluidic Refractometric Proteomic Array System

To address the Army's need for a high-throughput proteomics-based assay system for sensitive quantitative detection of cancer biomarker metalloproteinases and measurement of alterations in their activity, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new Microfluidic Refractometric Proteomic Array (MIRPA) system. The system will perform label-free quantitative detection of the activity of the members of the family of metalloproteinases in unpurified extracts of tissue or body fluid. The MIRPA system will contribute to early and accurate diagnosis of cancer and increase caregivers' ability to adapt to a tumor's changing phenotype as a particular therapy progresses. This technology will also be very useful for generating infectious disease profiles and profiles characterizing exposure to biological and chemical warfare agents. In Phase I, POC will design and fabricate a MIRPA model and demonstrate the proof-of-concept. Phase II will culminate in a prototype that will successfully distinguish between normal and cancerous/diseased tissue using well-characterized controls as well as clinical and pathological findings.