Nanowire Optical Assay Probe

78999S The development of new technologies for the rapid and accurate detection of indicators of diseases such as cancer will have a significant impact on human health. Current diagnostics are performed in highly sophisticated clinical laboratories, which requires significant overhead investment in instrumentation and highly trained medical technology staff. Furthermore, most tests are time consuming and the waiting period causes significant anxiety in patients. This project will develop a real-time, nanowire optical assay probing system for the detection of disease indicators. The technology will be portable, accurate, cost effective, and easy to use. It will simplify medical diagnostics in the doctor¿s office, making results available immediately, and provide a means of testing where clinical laboratory work is not an option (e.g., first responders or medical workers in third world countries). Phase I will demonstrate that a novel probe comprised of bio-chemically functionalized nanowire arrays can be utilized for highly sensitive detection of disease indicators using optical analysis techniques. To show proof-of-principle, the probe will be used to detect a protein indicative of ovarian cancer, CA 125. In Phase II, the range of analytes will be expanded and the nanowire probe will be integrated with the optical and electronic sub-assemblies required to develop a commercially viable, hand-held, highly sensitive, fully functional medical diagnostic instrument. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The current commercial market for in vitro medical diagnostics is $38 billion/year. The technology would replace hundreds of assays in the clinical and research laboratory with a hand-held, instrument that provides an instant readout of results. The versatility of this technology would make it applicable to the detection of a broad range of human health indicators including: infectious diseases, autoimmune diseases, tumor markers, thyroid function, fertility markers, allergy and humoral immunity, cardiac markers, hormone levels, therapeutic drug monitoring, and toxicology/drugs of abuse. Further, the technology could be adapted for the early and accurate detection of chemical and biological weapons and for environmental monitoring of pollution in water or air and contaminants in food.