SBIR/STTR Phase I: New methods for detecting bioterrorism

This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project proposes to examine Multi Photon Detection (MPD) of biological warfare agents using a panel of MPD enhanced immunoassays. MPD based techniques promise to deliver: (1) parallel detection of all biological warfare agents, (2) improved sensitivity of biotoxin detection, leading to fewer false positives and negatives, (3) more rapid results, (4) lower cost per assay, and (5) greater ease of use. This Phase I project has the following specific objectives : (1) production of recombinant fragments of biotoxins and development of antibodies, (2) development and characterization of antibodies for biotoxins, including botulism, tetanus and anthrax, (3) development of IA/MPD (MPD enhanced immunoassay) for these three biotoxins and comparison of sensitivity with the prior art, mainly ELISA, and (4) further assay optimization. The commercial application of this project is in the area of homeland security.