Fluorescent Qdot-Lateral Flow Test Strips for Rapid Ultrasensitive On-site Biotoxin Detection

Nanohmics, Inc. proposes to develop the most sensitive antibody and/or DNA aptamer-quantum dot (Qdot)-based lateral flow (LF) test strips possible for detection of high consequence toxins such as abrin, botulinum, ricin and SEB in environmental soil and water samples from sites of suspected Chem-Bio (CB) attacks.Although commercial colloidal gold-LF test strips for some toxins already exist, Nanohmics’ innovation of incorporating very high affinity antibodies and/or DNA aptamers and highly fluorescent Qdots into LF test strips will significantly improve sensitivity.In addition, multiple line or micro-dot matrix LF strips can be constructed with multiple colored fluorescent emissions based on Qdot size (multiplexing of at least 3 lines or 6 dots in a matrix on the analytical membrane) with one common UV excitation source such as a simple mineral light or mini-UV light box.In addition to qualitative visual assessment, the LF test strips will be quantified via a smart phone camera adaptor or customized handheld fluorescence reader priced below $1,000 to make field-based quantitation of the toxins facile with rapid sharing of data via the internet and cloud storage.In Phase II, Nanohmics will expand its menu of CB toxin assays and complete its smart phone or handheld reader development for assessment by DHS.