FP-Aptamer Reader for Algal Toxins

OmniSite BioDiagnostics (OmniSite) proposes to develop artificial receptors composed of DNA oligomers (called ¿Aptamers") for binding and detecting algal toxins. DNA aptamers can be mass produced with relative ease compared to antibody production and purification. The aptamers will be 5'-Cy 5 fluorochrome labeled and used in simple one-step binding fluorescence polarization (FP) assays that do not require wash steps. In Phase 1, OmniSite proposes to generate a set of specific fluoresceinated DNA aptamers to bind and detect Brevetoxin and Saxitoxin. Detection of the aptamer bound toxins will be accomplished via an FP breadboard system to be designed and constructed by OmniSite. In Phase 2, OmniSite will produce a hand-held FP prototype detector with wireless Internet connectivity so that test results can be accessed remotely. In addition, OmniSite will clone and sequence the anti-toxin aptamers and optimize FP aptamer assays for field use by water and seafood inspectors