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Design Automation Software for DNA-Based Nano-Sensor Architectures

Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: Army
Contract: W911NF-12-C-0059
Agency Tracking Number: A2-4978
Amount: $750,000.00
Phase: Phase II
Program: STTR
Solicitation Topic Code: OSD10-T003
Solicitation Number: 2010.B
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2010
Award Year: 2012
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2012-09-24
Award End Date (Contract End Date): 2014-09-24
Small Business Information
13709 Progress Boulevard Box 17
Alachua, FL -
United States
DUNS: 192849011
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Steven Benner
 Principal Investigator
 (352) 271-7005
 sbenner@firebirdbio.com
Business Contact
 Nicole Leal
Title: Chief Operating Officer
Phone: (352) 271-7005
Email: nleal@firebirdbio.com
Research Institution
 FfAME
 Romaine Hughes
 
PO BOX 13174
Gainesville, FL 32604-
United States

 (352) 271-7005
 Domestic Nonprofit Research Organization
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.

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

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