Enhancing Biosensor Life Using Dendrimers

Sensera, Inc. proposes to develop novel biological warfare agent optical sensors based on dendrimers and reporter fluorescent dyes. These generic sensors do not have a biological receptor component and are convenient and cheap to assemble. The longlifetime of the proposed sensors will make them ideal for stand alone detection. During Phase 1, Sensera will develop proof-of-concept bacterial and endospore sensors, which will lay the foundation for a small point detector in Phase 2. During Phase 2, wewill also construct actual prototype sensor arrays based on the individual sensors developed in Phase 1. Point detectors consisting of these sensor arrays will monitor both air and water for the presence of bacteria and endospores. Sensera's genericoptical sensors will have broad potential markets in homeland defense and environmental monitoring. Due to their low cost and long lifetimes, they will be well suited as continuous monitoring devices and for first responder applications in private andpublic establishments.