SBIR/STTR Phase II: Thermostable Phage DNA Polymerases: Improved Tools for Genomics Research

This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will develop novel DNA polymerase reagents for use in current and developing DNA diagnostic procedures. The approach is to develop thermophilic phage DNA replicases in place of the currently used DNA repair enzymes. The feasibility of this approach was demonstrated during Phase I research. This follow on Phase II project will extend the methods used in Phase I to isolate additional activities, characterize them and develop them as reagents for various amplification platforms. The commercial applications of this project will be in a number of markets that use molecular analysis of DNA. They include the areas of biomedical research, medical testing, genetic identity testing, public health and agriculture.