SBIR Phase I: DNA-Based Chemosensors for Direct Detection of Volatile Compounds

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a novel portable sensor array device, based directly on biological principles, for rapidly detecting, identifying, and quantifying volatile compounds in the environment. Lab and field tests show that this platform is sensitive enough to detect and discriminate the vapor signature of buried TNT-filled landmines. This SBIR Phase I project focuses on incorporating into the device a novel sensing technology that uses dye-labeled DNA to directly detect volatile chemicals with the use of state-of-the-art microarray equipment. The commercial application of the product will be as a lightweight, low-cost, hand-held volatile chemical detection system for use in security screening for the rapid detection of explosives, chemical warfare agents, and other hazardous materials. Other potential uses include medical diagnostics and environmental monitoring.