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Multiplex Aptamer-Based Sensor for Tick-borne Diseases

Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: Army
Contract: W81XWH-10-C-0032
Agency Tracking Number: A093-156-0765
Amount: $69,985.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: A09-156
Solicitation Number: 2009.3
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2009
Award Year: 2010
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2010-03-04
Award End Date (Contract End Date): 2010-10-03
Small Business Information
4100 N. W. Loop 410 Suite 230
San Antonio, TX 78229
United States
DUNS: 154088710
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 John Bruno
 Senior Scientist
 (210) 731-0000
 john.bruno@otcorp.com
Business Contact
 William Henderson
Title: Chief Financial Officer
Phone: (210) 731-0000
Email: dewey.benson@energyquesttech.com
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

Operational Technologies Corporation (OpTech) has patents pending for: 1) one-step plastic-adherent aptamer-magnetic bead (MB) plus aptamer-quantum dot (QD) sandwich assays (already successfully applied to ultrasensitive detection of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever or CCHF under a recent Army SBIR project), and 2) a multiplex cartridge in which the assays self-assemble as they traverse microfluidic channels (< 100 µL). Various sized QDs can be utilized with a monochrome light source to enable simultaneous multicolored emissions for each type of captured pathogen in a clinical sample. OpTech developed this concept for rapid (< 15 minute) food and water safety testing, but can apply it to tickborne-borne viral and rickettsial detection in infected ticks or clinical samples in panels of 20 or more analytes. In Phase I, OpTech will develop DNA aptamers that distinguish Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus (TBEV) from a spotted fever group rickettsia, and CCHF (using OpTech’s existing aptamers). OpTech will also team with Nanohmics, Inc., to develop a cartridge and portable fluorometer design for Phase II development. OpTech will attempt to demonstrate multiplex assay potential in Phase I by spectrofluorometry and deliver 100 prototype assays to the DoD at the conclusion of Phase I for independent testing and evaluation by the Army.

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

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