Grantee Research Project Results
On-Line, Near Real Time Water Security BioMonitoring System
EPA Contract Number: EPD06038Title: On-Line, Near Real Time Water Security BioMonitoring System
Investigators: Fernandez, Salvador M.
Small Business: Ciencia Inc.
EPA Contact: Richards, April
Phase: I
Project Period: March 1, 2006 through August 31, 2006
Project Amount: $69,995
RFA: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) - Phase I (2006) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Drinking Water , Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) , SBIR - Water and Wastewater
Description:
Ciencia, Inc., proposes to develop an innovative biosensor system for near real time, online monitoring of water for the presence of pathogens and biotoxins. The proposed optical biosensing approach possesses a unique combination of features that makes it ideal for meeting the requirements of a water analysis system. Notably: (1) it does not require the use of labels for detection (such as fluorescent, enzymatic, or radioactive tags), which enables easy automation of immunoassays and direct real-time detection of analytes, and (2) it is microarray based, thus providing for highly parallel detection of multiple analytes, including viruses, bacteria, spores, and biotoxins, which is critical to cope successfully with the variety of potential threats. Ciencia anticipates that the system will provide continuous monitoring with a sampling period of less than 1 hour and with a detection limit for bacteria on the order of one organism per mL. Potential commercial applications include: environmental water testing and water supply security, biodefense and homeland defense, biomedical research, clinical diagnostics, agricultural bioterrorism, food safety testing, and environmental contamination and remediaton.
Supplemental Keywords:
small business, SBIR, waterborne pathogens, microbial agents, water quality, drinking water, biosensors, biodefense, bioterrorism, terrorism, homeland security, optical biosensing, water security, biomonitoring, public health, EPA,, RFA, Scientific Discipline, INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION, Water, POLLUTANTS/TOXICS, Environmental Chemistry, Environmental Monitoring, Drinking Water, Microorganisms, Environmental Engineering, homeland security, pathogens, bacteria, bioterrorism, biopollution, community water system, drinking water monitoring, early warning, analytical methods, continuous monitoring sensorsProgress and Final Reports:
The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.