Development of an Automated Precision Coating System for SAW-Based Chemical Sensors

Intelligent Optical Systems (IOS), in collaboration with Tetracore LLC (Rockville, MD), proposes to design, construct, and demonstrate a novel, portable, self-contained, imaging microarray reader (referred to here as Biomapper) to rapidly identify theexposure of Army personnel to biological warfare agents, chemical agents, physical stress, infectious diseases, and other medical conditions that would impact their physical performance. IOS's Biomapper will be based on a novel imaging technique that willmonitor biochemical-binding events on the surface of a microarray. The monitored area will be approximately 25mm in diameter and have a spatial resolution of about 10 microns, resulting in the fully parallel, continuous readout of about 100,000 sensorfields. In Phase I, IOS will demonstrate a proof-of-concept reader using humanb-actin messenger RNA as the model target.In Phase II of this project the optical, electronic, and fluidic components will be integrated to create a portable unit for field use.There are many applications for a portable microarray unit. The proposed reader will find applications in the military as a diagnostic tool and as a prognostic tool. Clinical laboratories and emergency medical personnel are also likely to benefit from thisreader. The reader could also be used as a diagnostic instrument, leading to more rapid treatment and a reduction in medical costs. This device will also be used in the pharmaceutical industry, biotech industries, and research laboratories.