Integrated Protein/Nucleic Acid Microarray CB Detector

The objective of the proposed program is to develop a portable, low-cost, label-free (reagentless), microarray system capable of near real-time simultaneous detection and identification of multiple analytes (bacteria, viruses, spores, toxins) with highsensitivity and low false alarm rate. Notably, the system will be capable of detection/identification of agents on the basis of protein and/or nucleic acid recognition. The system will consist of a disposable biosensor chip and an optical reader devicewith an integrated sample collector. Detection is based on a proprietary optical transduction technology known as grating-coupled surface plasmon resonance imaging. In the Phase I effort we will demonstrate the operation of the collector anddetection/identification components and perform a preliminary specification and design of a system to be built and tested in a Phase II effort. The proposed technology is dual use. Potential applications include hospitals, where nosocomial infections mayarise; large buildings where accidental contamination with mold spores, Legionella and other pathogens may create health hazards; recreational water and drinking water supplies where waterborne pathogens are a great concern, and the food industry, wherethere is a need for sensitive methods for on-line and real-time detection of pathogens.