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Design Automation Software for DNA-Based Nano-Sensor Architectures

Award Information

Agency:
Department of Defense 		Branch:
Office of the Secretary of Defense 		Award ID:
 Program Year/Program:
2012 / STTR
Agency Tracking Number:
A2-4978 		Solicitation Year:
2010 		Solicitation Topic Code:
OSD10-T003 		Solicitation Number:
2010.B
Small Business Information
Firebird Biomolecular Sciences, LLC
PO Box 13983 Gainesville, FL 32604-1983
View profile »
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No
 
Phase 2
Fiscal Year: 2012
Title: Design Automation Software for DNA-Based Nano-Sensor Architectures
Agency / Branch: DOD / OSD
Contract: W911NF-12-C-0059
Award Amount: $375,000.00
 

Abstract:

Because of chemical behaviors of real DNA molecules, the nanotechnology envisioned by the Defense Department in this Solicitation will be possible only if design automation software creates nanostructures that exploit artificially expanded genetic information systems (AEGIS). AEGIS DNA molecules have more than the four nucleotides (GACT) found in natural DNA. In Phase 1, we delivered a demonstration project showing that adding nucleotides to standard DNA supports three-dimensional self-assembling nanoarchitectures at the frontier of the field. We also improved several of the AEGIS components. This progress will allow Phase 2 to deliver kits for specialists, non-specialists, and students that combine AEGIS DNA with non-DNA linkers to give a nano AEGIS"Lego"kit. We will also deliver a nanostructure as a signaling element to detect DNA from insect-borne pathogens that cause rickettsial diseases (e.g. typhus). This project overlaps Firebird's business, which supports human diagnostics based on reagent innovations like AEGIS. Adding nanotechnology to its existing business makes commercial sense, and will help"dual uses"emerge from this project.

Principal Investigator:

Steven A. Benner
Principal Investigator
(352) 271-7005
sbenner@firebirdbio.com

Business Contact:

Nicole Leal
Chief Operating Officer
(352) 271-7005
nleal@firebirdbio.com
Small Business Information at Submission:

Firebird Biomolecular Sciences, LLC
PO Box 13983 Gainesville, FL 32604-1983

EIN/Tax ID: 900355722
DUNS: N/A
Number of Employees:
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No
Research Institution Information:
FfAME
PO BOX 13174
Gainesville, FL 32604-
Contact: Romaine Hughes
Contact Phone: (352) 271-7005