In-Field Detection Kit for Algal Bloom Toxins

Intelligent Optical Systems will develop an accurate, inexpensive, rapid, and quantitative device for the detection of harmful algal bloom toxins and toxigenic organisms. The device will be ideally suited for field use, and will provide information about multiple toxins in less than a few minutes. This portable device will obviate the need for laborious, time-consuming, and expensive laboratory testing, and will allow decision makers to expeditiously identify the presence of toxins and warn about possible health hazards resulting from these toxins. During Phase I, we will design, construct, calibrate, and test the device, and prove its ability to detect toxins of interest to NOAA. From these tests, we will determine the analytical performance of the device. In Phase II, we will optimize the device performance and build a prototype for field-testing. Successful completion of the Phase I and II objectives will result in a device suitable for product development.