A Field Deployable Biomarker Sensing Technology

The monitoring of biomarkers is a viable way to determine the health of an individual, the presence of disease, and the possible exposure to toxic chemicals such as biological warfare agents. A deployable biomarker panel sensor that is reagentless and could be deployed for weeks would allow field medics to save soldiers lives through rapid diagnosis, prevention, and improved triage all directly in the battlefield. No current biomarker sensing technology is rugged enough to be field-deployable where the potential to save lives is significantly enhanced. Diffraction-based sensing has the potential to be made rugged because of the simplicity of the technique. The technology utilizes optical diffraction to quantifiably detect the binding of a target biomarker with an immobilized probe molecule. Lynntech Inc. is developing the necessary hardware for a miniaturized version of a diffraction-based sensor. Phase I research will also include a stabilized antibody platform and a multi-use cartridge. The proposed deployable biomarker panel sensor could be deployed for weeks with a minimal of supplies. The technology can incorporate any type of recognition element (antibodies employed in Phase I research). Phase II will deliver a field-deployable prototype device for reagentless sensing of an array of biomarkers using a reusable cartridge.