A Proposal to Develop an Automatic, Microfabricated Polymer Bilayer Air-Fluid Sampling Inlet

A critical component of a biochemical sensor system for detection and analysis of airborne pathogens are mechanisms for automated acquisition and transport of an air sample from the sensor inlet to the analysis chamber. While considerable capability already exists for sampling and handling of macroscopic volumes of gas, formidable technological challenges needed to be overcome before microfabricated biosensors could be developed. BOMEC Inc. is proposing a solution to this problem based on recently developed ionic and electronic conductive bilayer polymer actuators. This solution includes a number of innovative features including: enclosed conductive polymer bilayer pumping mechanisms operated in air, field driven assemblies for particle trapping and detector isolation and voltage driven steady release reservoir capsules for pretreatment of incoming particles. In Phase I we propose to design, fabricate and lab test an automated air-to-liquid sampler that integrates elements previously developed by BOMEC investigators. Field-testing of pre-production sampler prototypes in conjunction with our corporate partners is proposed for a Phase II effort. Commercial, industrial, law enforcement and military applications of the microfabri- cated air sampler are envisioned. The company will lead a team composed of BOMEC Inc., MIT, the University of Utah, Attwood Technology and Lockheed/Martin-INEL in developing and commercializing this technology. Design and testing of the sampler prototypes will be done in collaboration with the US Army TECOM facility at Dugway Proving Grounds in Utah.