SBIR Phase II: Urea Sensing Biocatalytic Polymers

This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project proposes to develop prototype urine-detecting products based on enzyme-polymerization and chemical sensing technologies for use in nursing homes, daycare establishments and healthcare facilities. These products will include hand-held sensors, sponge wipes, and bedding fabric pads that change color upon exposure to urine. The strict specificity of the enzymes used in sensor formulation will provide the sensing devices with rapid response times and great precision, thus limiting false positive and negative signals. Having shown the proof of concept in Phase I , the sensor optimization work in this Phase II project will focus on signal enhancement, the development of multi-component sensors for quantitative analysis, and improvements in the usability and the operational shelf life of the proposed sensing products. The commercial application of this project will be for a broad range of public facilities, including hospitals, nursing homes, daycare centers and food / hospitality establishments.