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In-Field Device for the Autonomous Detection of Harmful Algal Bloom Toxigenic Species and Toxins

Award Information
Agency: Department of Commerce
Branch: N/A
Contract: DG133R-05-CN-1183
Agency Tracking Number: NOAA 05-53
Amount: $75,000.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: 8.3.3
Solicitation Number: NOAA-2005-1
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2005
Award Year: 2005
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): N/A
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
7607 Eastmark Drive Suite 102
College Station, TX 77845
United States
DUNS: N/A
HUBZone Owned: Yes
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Season Wong
 Research Scientist
 (979) 693-0017
 season.wong@lynntech.com
Business Contact
 Oliver Murphy
Title: President
Phone: (979) 693-0017
Email: oliver.murphy@lynntech.com
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) cost the U.S. economy ~$50 million per year. Early detection of blooms and a rapid response by state and federal resource managers are the most effective ways to mitigate the impacts of HABs. However, methods for detecting HAB species and their toxins are laborious, time-consuming and require expensive equipment. To overcome these problems, Lynntech proposes to build an automated field instrument for detecting toxigenic HAB organisms and their toxins from mixed phytoplankton assemblages. The detection method will be innovative, cost-effective, rapid, accurate, and quantitative. Direct oxidation of guanine residues of ribosomal RNAs lysed from algae cells captured by species-specific probes immobilized onto an electrode will provide the necessary sensitivity without target or signal amplification. Also, an innovative, inexpensive device will be used for biotoxin detection. The final systm can potentially be installed on moored buoy or ship-deployed vehicles for automated monitoring with real-time data access capability.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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