You are here

Food Toxicity Detection Using C. elegans

Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: Defense Health Agency
Contract: W81XWH-10-C-0213
Agency Tracking Number: O2-1099
Amount: $750,000.00
Phase: Phase II
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: OSD09-H24
Solicitation Number: 2009.3
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2009
Award Year: 2011
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2011-06-03
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
P.O. Box 100
Ithaca, NY -
United States
DUNS: 022552900
HUBZone Owned: Yes
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: Yes
Principal Investigator
 Kathie Berghorn
 Staff Scientist
 (607) 272-0002
 kberghorn@agavebio.com
Business Contact
 Noe Salazar
Title: President
Phone: (512) 656-6200
Email: nsalazar@agavebio.com
Research Institution
 Stub
Abstract

Current toxicity testing of foodstuffs involves mass spectrometry analysis which requires a>24 h turnaround time in deployed military operations. This length of time is dangerous for personnel. Rapid identification of toxic industrial chemicals (TICs) in food using a sensor that is biologically-based and easy to use eliminates that danger and would provide exactly what is needed for toxicity evaluation of food. In this Phase II, Agave BioSystems proposes to develop a rapid and accurate biosensor prototype using mutant C. elegans to evaluate toxicity in food. This biosensor will use the nematode C. elegans as the model system and measure Green fluorescent protein (GFP) that has been linked to inducible promoters of genes responsive to specific stressors. Extended shelf life will be possible because the dauer stage within the lifecycle of C. elegans leaves the worm in stasis for extended periods of time until growth is resumed with improved conditions. By measuring the GFP response in a mixed population of mutant C. elegans, the outcome should be an accurate and sensitive assessment of chemical toxicity in food.

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

US Flag An Official Website of the United States Government