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Detection of"active"biological toxins by exploiting native binding specificities

Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: Office for Chemical and Biological Defense
Contract: FA4819-14-C-0020
Agency Tracking Number: C141-101-0036
Amount: $99,275.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: CBD14-101
Solicitation Number: 2014.1
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2014
Award Year: 2014
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2014-08-11
Award End Date (Contract End Date): 2015-02-11
Small Business Information
3075 Kennedy Drive #216
Salt Lake City, UT 84108-
United States
DUNS: 078282228
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: Yes
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Vojtech Svoboda
 VP of Engineering
 (256) 714-8951
 Vojtech@BinergyScientific.com
Business Contact
 Martina Svoboda
Title: COO
Phone: (256) 714-8936
Email: Martina@BinergyScientific.com
Research Institution
 Stub
Abstract

A chemical threat agent mode of action is often initiated through a selective interaction with a biological molecule or structure. The agent binding mimics normal cellular processes, but then overruns natural control mechanisms leading to toxic and even lethal effects. The binding may be used as a basis for sensing the agent. By exploiting the native binding mechanism, a sensing element can be designed that provides benefits over conventional antibody-based systems. First, the direct detection eliminates the bulky and unstable antibodies typically used for detection. The changes allow higher loading of the recognition molecules on the transducer, increasing sensitivity. Additionally, the stability extends operation lifetimes. Another advantage gained by using the native interaction mechanism for detection relates to"false-positives"that affect reliability. Only the active agent will bind its native target molecule. So, unlike antibody based detection where similar, cross-reacting biomolecules or denatured agent will bind with the sensor, only the molecules that react with natural trigger for toxic mechanism will provide a signal. The concept limits interference and efforts that may attempt to mask or mimic chemical threats.

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

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