The preponderance of biosensors under development today rely on labeling reagents such as fluorescent, radioisotopic or enzymatic tags. As a result, the added complexity of these reagents and their incorporation into the detection system has resulted in designs that are difficult to implement or… More

Not Available This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project features as the main goal demonstration of the feasibility of a single-electron transistor with the following characteristics: 1) a high voltage gain, 2) gain over a significant range of operating voltage, and 3) modulation of… More

Not Available VXI-based hardware and software products have now advanced to the point where real-time data acquisition and intensive signal processing on multiple signals can be routinely handled by commercially available products. However, for specialized tasks, such as optimal process control,… More

Great strides have been made in developing diagnostic systems for detecting and identifying specific pathogens and their toxins. However, these systems may be too specific and unable to detect newly emerging pathogens whose immunological or genetic profile is different than the normal complement of… More

Conventional fluorescence-activated cell sorters (FACSs) are widely used to study eukaryotic cell populations. Although they provide impressively efficient sorting, they are costly, mechanically complex, and require large sample volumes and trained personnel for operation and maintenance. In… More

The occurrence of causative agents such as Cryptosporidium parvum and other pathogens in water supplies presents a critical issue. Transmitted through water and animals, these organisms provide a reservoir of infection, which results in the excretion of the environmentally stable cysts or oocysts… More

The occurrence of causative agents such as Cryptosporidium parvum and other pathogens in water supplies presents a critical issue. Transmitted through water and animals, these organisms provide a reservoir of infection, which results in the excretion of the environmentally stable cysts or oocysts… More

Agave BioSystems, in collaboration with Professor George Malliaras of Cornell University, proposes to develop a unique and innovative biosensor based on induced luminescence of captured BW bacterial agents and organic light emitting diode (OLED)technology. The system would use an array of… More

Biology provides a vast number of examples of nanostructures produced at a level of precision that is superior to those that we can produce in the laboratory. The diversity of naturally occurring S-layers suggests that the nature of these self-assembledstructures is genetically controlled and can… More

"Agave BioSystems, in collaboration with Professor George Malliaras of Cornell University, proposes to develop a unique and innovative biosensor based on induced luminescence of captured BW bacterial agents and organic light emitting diode (OLED)technology. The system would use an array of… More

"Biology provides a vast number of examples of nanostructures produced at a level of precision that is superior to those that we can produce in the laboratory The diversity of naturally occurring S-layers suggests these self-assembled structures aregenetically controlled and can therefore be… More

Biology provides a vast number of examples of nanostructures produced at a level of precision that is superior to those that we can produce in the laboratory. The diversity of naturally occurring S-layers suggests that the nature of these self-assembled structures is genetically controlled and can… More

Conventional fluorescence-activated cell sorters (FACSs) are widely used to study eukaryotic cell populations. Although they provide impressively efficient sorting, they are costly, mechanically complex, and require large sample volumes and trained personnel for operation and maintenance. In… More

Conventional fluorescence-activated cell sorters (FACSs) are widely used to study eukaryotic cell populations. Although they provide impressively efficient sorting, they are costly, mechanically complex, and require large sample volumes and trained personnel for operation and maintenance. In… More

Great strides have been made in developing diagnostic systems for detecting and identifying specific pathogens and their toxins. However, these systems may be too specific and unable to detect newly emerging pathogens whose immunological or genetic profile is different than the normal complement of… More

Great strides have been made in developing diagnostic systems for detecting and identifying specific pathogens and their toxins. However, these systems may be too specific and unable to detect newly emerging pathogens whose immunological or genetic profile is different than the normal complement of… More

While the phenomenon of suspended animation has not been widely studied in humans, there are many anecdotal and medically verified examples of humans being in a state that is comparable to suspended animation when they have been accidentally nearly frozenfor short periods of time. There could be… More

Agave BioSystems proposes to develop and demonstrate an innovative Organic Thin Film Transistor (OTFT) to detect cell characteristics without the need for cell labeling for use in microfluidic flow cytometers. This sensor would be able to detect count all cells, whether the cells are fluorescently… More

Current methods used for the destruction of CW agents are cumbersome, require extensive capital equipment such as incinerators and water reactors and pose potential environmental problems themselves. A novel approach for the destruction of CW agentsinvolves genetically engineering microorganisms to… More

Agave BioSystems has been highly successful in accomplishing the Phase I objectives. In this Phase II proposal, Agave BioSystems will build upon the results generated in the Phase I to isolate additional shikimate pathway genes. We will continue to usestate-of-the-art-bioinformatics computational… More

It is clear now that deadly biological materials can easily be spread throughout the U.S., and that there are few methods currently available to rapidly detect and identify these bioterrorist agents. Significant resources have been applied to thedevelopment of DNA diagnostic systems for this… More

Agave BioSystems, in collaboration with Dr. Robert Boyd, of the Institute of Optics at the University of Rochester, proposes to develop an ultra sensitive and highly specific biosensor based on whispering gallery mode (WGM) resonator technology forbioterrorist and biowarfare agent detection. This… More

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Fluorescent semiconductor nanocrystals or quantum dots have many properties that make them superior to traditional dyes as fluorescent markers. Quantum dots have higher extinction coefficients making them brighter than traditional dyes (up to 1000 times… More

Malaria is responsible for 300 million cases a year, resulting in 1 million deaths. From a military perspective, maintaining bases in regions where the disease is endemic puts troops at risk for infection. Whether for civilian or military populations,the fact remains that insecticide tolerant… More

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Fluorescent semiconductor nanocrystals or quantum dots have many properties that make them superior to traditional dyes as fluorescent markers. Quantum dots have higher extinction coefficients making them brighter than traditional dyes (up to 1000 times brighter… More

In this Phase I, Agave BioSystems proposes a novel approach for the development of a rapid and sensitive detection system for arsenic in drinking water based on the bioluminescent protein aequorin. The simplicity and ruggedness of this technology has the potential for providing low cost, on-line,… More

Current technologies for marking of landing zones as well as areas for search and rescue have significant drawbacks ranging from the additional weight of batteries for some systems to plastic and metallic debris left behind. There are clear advantages both operationally and environmentally to… More

Because many chemical and biological toxins selectively target respiratory endothelial cells, a biosensor using these cells in combination with Electric Cell-substrate Impedance Sensing (ECIS) technology has many useful applications for detection and early warning monitoring of a broad range of… More

Due to the extensive amounts of data generated from the genome sequencing projects, the focus of genomics has shifted from elucidating DNA sequence to the interpretation of gene function. In addition, as proteins are most often the targets of drugs, a method of studying the genome at the protein… More

Because endothelial cells organize to form a tight barrier under normal conditions, several electrical devices have been used to measure the electrical resistance of endothelial cell monolayers. An Electric Cell-substrate Impedance Sensing (ECIS) system can measure the electrical impedance of… More

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): In response to the solicitation for development of nanotechnologies to improve cancer diagnosis by NCI, Agave BioSystems, in collaboration with Dr. George Malliaras, of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Cornell University, proposes to… More

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Despite numerous advances in high throughput screening (HTS) and system automation, the identification of specific ligands remains time consuming and resource intensive. A major obstacle to more efficient screening of potential ligands is the current… More

Cultured cell-based biosensors offer insight into the physiological action of the agent of interest, which is an advantage over other types of sensors. The development of cell-based biosensors that are field-portable would increase their utility in toxicology and environmental monitoring. One of… More

Current methods used for the destruction of CW agents are cumbersome, require extensive capital equipment such as incinerators and water reactors and pose potential environmental problems themselves. A novel approach for the destruction of CW agents involves genetically engineering microorganisms… More

Current technologies for marking of landing zones as well as areas for search and rescue have significant drawbacks ranging from the additional weight of batteries for some systems to plastic and metallic debris left behind. There are clear advantages both operationally and environmentally to… More

In this Phase I, Agave BioSystems proposes to develop a catalytic organophosphorus bioscavenger based on human paraoxonase 1 (PON1) for the protection of personnel against OP nerve agents. A catalytic bioscavenger that detoxifies multiple organophosphorus (OP) molecules by hydrolysis rather than a… More

Healing of a wound is a complex and protracted process of tissue repair and remodeling in response to injury. Understanding how the body repairs damaged tissue and what genes and biochemical factors influence the wound healing process will have tremendous impact on the treatment of chronic wounds… More

Cultured cell-based biosensors offer insight into the physiological action of the agent of interest, which is an advantage over other types of sensors. The development of cell-based biosensors that are field-portable would increase their utility in toxicology and environmental monitoring. One of… More

Biofilms are ubiquitous in the environment. Few surfaces resist biofilm formation, most promote it. Biofilm formation poses problems in water systems as they can clog pipes and pores, block filters, reduce heat transfer, and in general restrict flow. Their metabolic products can aid corrosion,… More

A PCR based assay has been developed to detect Leishmania parasites, but PCR requires sophisticated laboratory instruments and trained personnel to interpret the data. The parasite can also be identified in infected sand flies by skillful dissection and microscopic examination but this is… More

The use of explosives over the last 100 years has left up to 16,000 military ranges contaminated with highly toxic compounds. A major challenge to the remediation of these ranges is identifying the location of persistent explosive residues. To meet this challenge, Agave BioSystems in collaboration… More

This STTR Phase I project will develop a microfluidic optical biosensor based on whispering gallery mode resonator technology for the detection of bioterrorism agents. The proposed device will bridge biological sciences with optics and material sciences to develop a commerically useful tool for… More

While the protective qualities of activated carbon have been enhanced by the addition of specific metal salts, activated carbon technology has changed little over the last 60 years. In this Phase I, Agave BioSystems and the Universities Space Research Association, propose to develop next generation… More

Aerosols represent one of the more efficient methods to distribute biological and chemical agents throughout the atmosphere. Small aerosol droplets can be readily inhaled and easily penetrate deep into the lungs where they lodge in bronchial alveoli. Within the alveoli, chemical and biological… More

The abrasive, reactive, and ubiquitous nature of lunar regolith created significant and serious problems during the Apollo moon missions. In this Phase I, Agave BioSystems, in collaboration with Dr. Randy Vander Wal of the Universities Space Research Association, propose to develop next generation… More

In completing the Phase I SBIR, Agave BioSystems and the Universities Space Research Association, have successfully demonstrated proof of concept for the use of novel carbon nanotube (CNT)-based structures as next generation smart adsorbents for the adsorption and destruction of potentially toxic… More

Deployed armed forces often have to rely on water that is produced from decentralized sources, which presents significant difficulties for assuring the water is free of chemical toxicants. Analysis of these water supplies often requires complex instrumentation that is not practical for field use. … More

The use of explosives over the last 100 years has left up to 16,000 military ranges contaminated with highly toxic compounds. A major challenge to the remediation of these ranges is identifying the location of persistent explosives residues. To meet this challenge, Agave BioSystems in… More

Rapid detection of the total trihalomethanes (TTHM) in treated drinking water is essential for compliance with the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts (DBP) Rule, which limits the maximum contaminant level of TTHM in drinking water to 80 parts… More

DESCRIPTION (provided by investigator): Lyme disease, caused by the gram-negative spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi and transmitted by Ixodid tick species, is the leading vector-borne infectious disease in the United States, with a steady rise in the number of cases reported each year. The most… More

The key to effective management of malaria is accurate diagnosis that is also rapid. The "gold standard" microscopy is time-consuming and labor-intensive and suffers from retirement of microscopic diagnostic experts and inaccurate slide reading. A field-deployable diagnostic method that is… More

Given the possibility to administer prophylactic doses of protein bioscavengers inactivating OP nerve agents before they reach their acetylcholinesterase target, much attention has been given to proteins such as human butyrylcholinesterase and paraoxonase I. As small nucleic acid catalysts can… More

Shelter enclosures for military working dogs in the event of a CB attack is a technology gap identified by the Joint Requirements Office. Important parameters to consider in the design of protective enclosures include low weight and size to minimize transport requirements; rapid setup; and… More

Agve BioSystems in collaboration with Carl A. Batt propose to develop decon-nanoparticles which will leverage ongoing opportunities in enzyme engineering and the fabrication of functionalized magnetic nanoparticles. Enhanced performance will be engineered into the system to improve the catalytic… More

Shelter enclosures for military working dogs in the event of a CB attack is a technology gap identified by the Joint Requirements Office. Important parameters to consider in the design of protective enclosures include low weight and size to minimize transport requirements; rapid setup; and… More

During the normal course of research, development, and testing by the DOD small quantities of environmentally hazardous waste propellants, explosives, and pyrotechnics (PEP) are produced. The compliance costs and burden associated with open burn/open detonation operations are considerable, including… More

Improving age-related decrease in cognitive and physical capabilities has tremendous potential for the civilian population and military personnel, including prolonged aptitude of highly-trained military personnel and lowering of healthcare costs. Mitocho

Q fever is caused by the bacterium Coxiella burnetii and presents with acute symptoms indistinguishable from many other blood infections. Chronic infection, however, can result in endocarditis, with a high mortality rate (up to 60% of chronic Q fever cases) and requiring open-heart surgery to… More

Development of an effective malarial vaccine has been slow, although recent success in vaccine development has been achieved by using the Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite surface protein (CSP)-hepatitis B surface antigen fusions, in conjunction with hepatitis B particles (the RTS, S… More

The rapid evaluation of drinking water toxicity in the field is a necessity for the safety of our soldiers. To achieve field portability and sensitive screening for identification of toxic industrial chemicals (TICs) a handheld device that is biologically-based and easy to use with components that… More

Rapid detection of the total trihalomethanes (TTHM) in treated drinking water is essential for compliance with the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts (DBP) Rule, which limits the maximum contaminant level of TTHM in drinking water. The current… More

Current toxicity testing of foodstuffs involves mass spectrometry analysis which requires a >24 h turnaround time in deployed military operations. This length of time is dangerous for personnel. Rapid identification of toxic industrial chemicals (TICs) in food using a sensor that is… More

Organophosphorus chemical warfare nerve agents (OP-CWA) are attractive to terrorist groups and rogue states as an inexpensive and accessible technology for chemical warfare. OP-CWA and organophosphate pesticides cause severe neurological symptoms and death by inhibiting the enzyme… More

Q fever, caused by the bacterium Coxiella burnetii, presents with acute symptoms indistinguishable from many other blood infections. Chronic infection, more frequently developing in immunocompromised individuals, presents a high mortality rate (up to 60% of chronic cases) and often requires… More

The rapid evaluation of drinking water toxicity in the field is a necessity for the safety of our soldiers. To achieve field portability and sensitive screening for identification of toxic industrial chemicals (TICs) a handheld device that is biologically-based and easy to use with components that… More

Dengue viruses are transmitted by mosquito vectors throughout tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Africa, and Central and South America. Four serotypes circulate, DEN-1 through -4, and immunity to one type does not preclude illness from another type and can exacerbate subsequent disease with… More

The chloroperoxidase enzyme from the filamentous fungus Caldariomyces fumago has applications in industrial chemical synthesis and the detection and inactivation of chemical warfare agents. Chloroperoxidase is capable of regio- and enantioselective oxygenations and halogenations of organic… More

The ability to direct the wound pathways following injury could provide a critical path in wound care at crucial times during the progression of healing. A promising field of study in wound healing is epigenetics; alterations in gene expression caused by mechanisms other than changes in DNA… More