SBIR Phase I: Rapid Response Portable Detection System For Trace Levels Of Foodborne Pathogens And Toxins

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project seeks to develop an easily used sensing technology capable of the multiplex detection of trace levels of foodborne pathogens (e.g., Salmonella, E. coli 0157:H7, hepatitis A), viruses (Hepatitis, Norwalk group), and toxins (e.g., botulinum toxins, shellfish toxins) with a simple direct detection assay format (no labels or wash steps required). The detection sensitivity of the proposed technology will rival that of more complicated amplification and labeled detection methods with projected sensitivities in the femtomolar concentration range for toxins, proteins, and other small bioactive molecules, and less than 100 organisms/ml for bacterial and viral pathogens. The commercial application of this project is in the area sensors for use in clinical diagnostics, point-of-care health applications, water quality monitoring, process control, and environmental air quality monitoring. The proposed technology is also expected to fulfill the needs for a sensitive, easily used biowarfare agent monitoring system for military and homeland defense programs.