DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): A general method of developing catalytic DNA biosensors for on-site, real-time, and cost-effective detection and quantification of multiple heavy metal ions, such as mercury, cadmium and lead, simultaneously will be explored. Exposure to these metal ions can… More

We aim to construct litmus paper-like colorimetric sensors for detection and quantification of chemical and biological agents in water by performing combinatorial selection of DNA aptamers for cyanobacteria toxins such as microcystins and saxitoxins. Aptamers are single stranded DNA that can bind… More

Lead in household paint and dust is a serious health hazard as low level lead exposure can result in a number o adverse health effects, especially in children. On-site and real-time detection and quantification of lead in the paint/dust is very important to homeowners and certified lead-based paint… More

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Mycotoxins are toxic compounds produced by fungi that contaminate crops during growth, transportation, or storage. Contamination of food and feed by mycotoxigenic fungi is an important agricultural and national security concern. For example, thousands of people… More

This STTR Phase I research will develop detection methods using allosteric DNAzymes (aptazymes) to detect cyanobacterial toxins that occur throughout the world in both fresh and brackish water. Cyanotoxins present a public safety hazard through contamination of drinking water supplies by blue-green… More

Lead in household paint and dust is a serious health hazard, as low level lead exposure can result in a number of adverse health effects, especially in children. Onsite and real time detection and quantification of lead in paint/dust are very important to homeowners and certified lead based paint… More

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Cost-effective catalytic DNA biosensors for heavy metal ions such as lead(II), uranium(VI), mercury(II), and cadmium(II) will be developed. They will be tested for on-site, real-time detection and quantification with mi nimal rates of false positive or false… More

This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project focuses on commercializing dip-stick tests for detection of heavy metals (lead, uranium, copper, mercury) in water, where the appearance of a red line on the test strip will indicate the presence of a contaminant. Heavy metal contamination in… More