Microfabrication-based Personnel BioMonitorT

Current biodetection methods for bacterial and viral pathogens and toxins are generally implemented on a macroscopic scale using large and expensive analytical systems that require extensive operator involvement. The objective of this Phase II SBIRproposal is to continue to develop, test, and bring into commercial production a fully automated Micro-Electro Mechanical (MEMS) based biosensor equipped with a sensing platform and optical system. This micro-scale system offers a man-portable device withstart to finish handling that eliminates operator involvement and integrates sample preparation, signal amplification and signal detection into a single closed instrument. The analysis, fabrication, and testing (proof-of-concept) of a system that includesmicrofabricated filters, pumps, valves, fluidics, and actuators has been demonstrated in our Phase I effort. The proposed Phase II work will achieve a working miniature, disposable, microfluidic system that has both sample processing and sensitive assaycapabilities. Detection of pathogenic bacteria, viruses and proteins (toxins) has been successfully developed through Phase I efforts with our proprietary 'on chip' assays.