Grantee Research Project Results
Final Report: Portable Detection of Algal Toxins Using a Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) Fiber Optic Probe Coated With a Molecular Imprinted Polymer
EPA Contract Number: EPD04035Title: Portable Detection of Algal Toxins Using a Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) Fiber Optic Probe Coated With a Molecular Imprinted Polymer
Investigators: Fleming, Kala K.
Small Business: Excite Optics Corporation
EPA Contact: Richards, April
Phase: I
Project Period: March 1, 2004 through August 31, 2004
Project Amount: $69,966
RFA: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) - Phase I (2004) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Drinking Water , SBIR - Water and Wastewater , Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)
Description:
Algal blooms, caused by cyanobacteria, are increasing in frequency, duration, geographic extent, and severity in the coastal and freshwater ecosystems of the United States and other countries. One-third of the 50 genera of cyanobacteria may produce toxins, and approximately 60 percent of these are toxic. Because these toxins represent a significant hazard to humans, livestock, and wildlife, it is essential that their concentrations in raw surface waters and finished waters be routinely quantified.
High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) based methods for detecting algal toxins generally are complex, expensive, and time consuming because the analysis cannot be done onsite. Simpler screening methods, such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), tend to lack specificity and sometimes are quite sensitive. Thus, there is a need for a monitoring system that is field deployable and inexpensive, is highly specific to single toxins, and has the capacity for a high throughput of samples.
The goal of this research project was to develop a detection system that merges molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) with a fiber optic surface plasmon resonance (SPR) system to facilitate the detection of algal toxins. Based on a review of current literature, it is the only portable SPR system that uses molecularly imprinted polymers to expand the range of analytes that can be detected.
Summary/Accomplishments (Outputs/Outcomes):
To demonstrate the feasibility of synthesizing molecularly imprinted thin films specific to microcystin-LR, Excite Optics Corporation first synthesized and characterized MIP thin films on planar surfaces. The films resulting from the photopolymerization procedure were less than 10 nm thick. Thin films on this order of magnitude are essential in ensuring an adequate SPR response. To date, this is the first demonstration of imprinted MIP thin films specific to algal toxins. To synthesize these thin films at the apex of a curved hemispherical lens (where SPR occurs in the portable system), Excite Optics Corporation developed a reaction fixture that enables as little as 1-2 μL of monomer solution for the synthesis.
Excite Optics Corporation also investigated the operating characteristics of the SPR detection system. Exposing the SPR system to increasing concentrations of salt solution produced a second order calibration curve with an R2 of 0.997. A sensitivity of 0.0013 refractive index units per nm was determined based on these results. Further testing to evaluate the long-term performance of the system is ongoing.
Conclusions:
Since September 11, 2001, public awareness of the potential for terrorism in domestic settings has increased dramatically. Government officials recognize the threat to strategic resources, including the water supply, and the public expects water sources to be protected and monitored for quality compliance. Therefore, budgets for new equipment and labor are likely to be funded to pay for additional monitoring expenses. Any detection system that can lower costs for the testing authority at a given performance level will develop a competitive advantage. Excite Optics Corporation’s technology has an advantage over traditional HPLC methods that employ more expensive instrumentation and take longer to obtain results because they are analyzed in offsite laboratories. Alternative simpler screening methods, such as ELISA, sometimes are quite sensitive, but tend to lack specificity.
Based on a market analysis to date, the market size for base year 2005 is estimated to be $255,000,000, with a 5 percent growth rate ( 170,000 operating public water systems in the United States were used as the basis for this estimate). I n addition to the traditional markets for this technology, it has clear potential for underserved populations facing potential algal toxin problems, such as farmers and third-world health care workers. Algal toxins kill shellfish and other animals, as well as people; therefore, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and other federal agencies are interested in their detection. Although algal toxins could be used as terrorist tools, this appears far less likely simply because there are better toxins that could serve that function. Nonetheless, one type of saltwater algae (blue-green algae) produces one of the most potent neurotoxins known.
Entry into this market in the next few years is essential because of the large number of technology companies working to meet the rising demand for new and improved products. There is a wide variety of water testing and monitoring applications that can be addressed, however, and demand for product enhancements should continue into the foreseeable future. There is a range of competitive technologies to consider when comparing this technology to those on the market now, as well as those that may be available in a 5-year window from the date of anticipated market entry. The products, services, and technologies below demonstrate the range of potential substitutes from which customers will be able to choose.
Excite Optics Corporation currently leases laboratory space from the Gilson Company in Middleton, WI. Gilson is one of the largest HPLC instrument manufacturers in the United States and manufactures most of its research instruments adjacent to the company’s laboratory. Excite Optics Corporation is negotiating with Gilson to fabricate the company’s fiber optic probe. These negotiations are expected to commence once product sales have been secured.
Gilson has a marketing reach in 37 countries worldwide. Excite Optics Corporation is negotiating with Gilson to market and distribute the company’s fiber optic probe once product sales have been secured. Excite Optics Corporation has been self-funded since startup and expects to continue this form of funding until the company secures product sales in 2005. Revenues (from consulting and funded research) in 2004 are expected to exceed $110,000. If a Phase II contract is awarded, Excite Optics Corporation will apply for $100,000 in funding from the Wisconsin Economic Development Board. Although no firm commitments can be revealed at this time, several strategic corporate partners, including Gilson, have been contacted regarding third phase follow-on commitments.
Supplemental Keywords:
algal toxins, algal toxin detection, surface plasmon resonance, SPR, fiber optic probe, molecularly imprinted polymer, MIP, monitoring, water, bioterrorism, high-performance liquid chromatography, HPLC, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, ELISA, algal bloom, SBIR,, RFA, Scientific Discipline, Water, Ecosystem Protection/Environmental Exposure & Risk, Environmental Chemistry, algal blooms, Environmental Monitoring, Drinking Water, Engineering, Chemistry, & Physics, Environmental Engineering, monitoring, fiber optic particle analyzer (FOPA), portable detection, surface plasmon resonance, algal bloom detection, drinking water contaminants, algal toxins, fiber optic probe, algae formation, cyanobacteriaThe 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.