Fiscal Year:
2009
Title:
Quantum Dots and Magnetic Nanoparticles for Ante-mortem Diagnosis of Prion Infect
Agency:
HHS
Contract:
1R43AI084299-01
Award Amount:
$270,509.00
Abstract:
DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): NIH Phase I Quantum dots and Magnetic nano-particles for Ante-mortem Diagnostics of m Prion Infection Ocean Nano Tech proposes to develop a portable, rapid, sensitive, high throughput, inexpensive, and easy to use syste
m for the ante-mortem diagnosis of prion infection using high emission intensity quantum dots and magnetic nanoparticles in a disposable lab-on-a-chip (dLOAC) format. The proposed system consists of a fully automated equipment consisting of a miniaturized
fluorimeter that uses dLOAC and miniaturized pumps for automated delivery of reagents. The dLOAC is configured for ante-mortem diagnosis of 1 x 10-15 molar (possibly 1 x 10-18molar) concentrations of PrPSc in a rapid assay d 60 min, high throughput allowin
g gt 50 samples/h per instrument, high sensitivity with gt 95% reliability (eliminating false positives and false negatives), and minimizing the hazard of handling infected biological fluids. This system will diagnose prion infection before the appearance
of clinical symptoms and is anticipated to replace post mortem diagnostic methods that are useful only in the advanced stage of the disease that is always fatal. The proposed system will lead to products used for: 1) diagnosis of PrPSc levels in asymptomat
ic cows (and for humans with additional development), 2) monitor PrPSc levels in donated blood (with additional development on the dLOAC and using the same instrument), 3) monitor PrPSc levels in beef and cow parts at slaughter houses to eliminate contamin
ated meat and meat products from entering the market, 4) monitor PrPSc levels in industrial products that use cow-derived raw materials, 5) monitor drug and vaccine development, and 6) monitor the efficacy of drugs, vaccine, and therapeutic agents during m
edication. In addition, the products are also usable for post-mortem diagnosis. These products have enormous commercial and societal impact. Ante-mortem diagnosis in beef that brings gt 9 billion income will protect beef industry in the US. With additiona
l development, the instruments and dLOAC will have use in stationary or mobile clinics or hospitals as diagnostic tool for early detection, ante- and post-mortem detection of prion disease in humans. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: The products resulting from thi
s project for ante-mortem detection of prion infection have various urgent commercial applications with enormous societal impact. Its applications include the gt 10 billion beef industry in the US and worldwide, monitoring of donated blood amounting to 12-
14 million units of whole blood collected annually in the US and 80 million units worldwide, and detection of prions in tissues for transplant, for grafting, and for use as raw materials for various food, cosmetic, and medical products because of the fatal
nature of the infection. The products can also be used to monitor drug and vaccine development and to monitor the efficacy of drugs, vaccine, or other therapeutic agents during medication.
Small Business Information at Submission:
OCEAN NANOTECH, LLC
OCEAN NANOTECH, LLC 2143 Worth Lane SPRINGDALE, AR 72764
EIN/Tax ID:
270097569
DUNS:
N/A
Number of Employees:
N/A
Woman-Owned:
No
Minority-Owned:
No
HUBZone-Owned:
No