Project BriefOpen Competition 3 - BiotechnologyMicrosphere-Based Spectroscopic InstrumentsDevelop a highly sensitive spectroscopic detection system, based on microspheres, for the analysis of chemicals and biomolecules to allow implementation of integrated lab-on-chip nanofluidic methods, initially targeted at acceleration of drug discovery. Sponsor: Nomadics, Inc.1024 S. Innovation WayStillwater, OK 74074-1508
Absorbance spectroscopy - identification of a substance based on its pattern of absorbing certain wavelengths of light - has long been used for chemical analyses, from blood tests to manufacturing process control. However, the technique's sensitivity and utility are limited by the need for a relatively long light path through a sample (to ensure a detectable amount of absorbance), requiring a relatively large device and sample size. Nomadics plans a two-year project to develop and demonstrate an unusually sensitive spectroscopic detection system for use in micro- and nanofluidics devices capable of analyzing biomolecules. Nomadics has demonstrated the use of microspheres for long-pathlength absorbance spectroscopy of liquids and proposes to extend the approach by performing such measurements within a microfluidic chip system. Achieving repeatable and stable operation of the integrated system will be a principal challenge. The combined system would enable microscale colorimetric assays and direct detection of proteins that would be faster and cheaper than conventional methods. ATP funding is necessary because of the early stage of the technology development and its dissimilarity to currently employed approaches. ATP support will accelerate the project by at least two years, and if successful the project could boost efficiency in a variety of analytical systems, including "lab on a chip" devices, which have a growing world market expected to exceed $3 billion this year. A 100-fold increase in the efficiency of systems used to screen potential pharmaceuticals could save an estimated $1 billion annually now spent on development failures as well as reduce drug development costs by 25 percent (or $200 million per drug). Other applications of the technology include point-of-care testing, environmental analyses, and industrial process monitoring.
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