Portable DNA Sequencing Kit

The Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) has identified a need to develop a portable, open architecture tablet-based system for SOCOM users capable of conducting real-time DNA or RNA sequencing in a tactical environment.  The intended analytes are Biological Warfare Agents (BWA).  Present detection and identification options are unsuitable for SOCOM use in both technology and library size.  DTRA envisions a solution that; 1) is sequencing based, 2) uses software that resides on a tablet that is capable of targeting low complexity, high biomass BWA samples in a time-constrained tactical environment, 3) operates using ATAK CBRN Plug-in (CBRNPI) for real time viewing by remote decision makers, 4) utilizes Nanopore Technology 512 channel MinION flow cell and Flongle, and 5) meets specifications listed in the topic description.  In Phase 1, 4S will conduct a market study of potential commercial hardware solutions that meet the specified parameters.  From there, development of sequencing hardware GUI will be visualized using a surrogate computer substituting for the end-result tablet, and the DTRA OI-CO BWA library will be integrated into the sequencer computer.  Functionality tests will then be conducted incorporating sequencing computer, MinION reader, and a pre-prepared reagent sample.  Figure 1-1 above illustrrates the Oxford Nanopore Technologies MinION nanopore array.  Phase 1 will culminate with a digital rendering of a tablet based prototype.