Grantee Research Project Results
Final Report: Handheld MEMS-Based Detector of Toxins and Toxigenic Organisms Indicative of Harmful Algal Bloom
EPA Contract Number: EPD07057Title: Handheld MEMS-Based Detector of Toxins and Toxigenic Organisms Indicative of Harmful Algal Bloom
Investigators: Hobson, Stephen T
Small Business: Seacoast Science, Inc.
EPA Contact: Richards, April
Phase: I
Project Period: March 1, 2007 through August 31, 2007
Project Amount: $69,971
RFA: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) - Phase I (2007) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) , SBIR - Water and Wastewater
Description:
Real-time detection, identification, and quantification of toxins and toxigenic organisms indicative of cyanobacteria harmful algal blooms (cyanoHABs) in drinking water are vital data for public safety administrators. Different biomolecule–transition metal conjugates (bio-tm-C) were mapped onto a sensor array using a proprietary inkjet deposition process. The selective and non selective binding of the antigen (toxin) with the bio-tm-C array resulted in a change in dielectric properties of the sensor matrix, which was detected and processed. The nature of the proposed system will allow for rapid analysis (≤ 10 minutes), immediate display, and optional linking (remotely or directly) of the signal to a computer.
Summary/Accomplishments (Outputs/Outcomes):
- Surface immobilization and characterization of bio-tm-C on current MEMS IDT chip—Deposited bio-tm-C onto MEMS IDT sensor using an ink jet system. Viability and specificity of the biomolecule were probed using confocal microscopy in conjunction with fluorescently labeled analytes.
- Redesign of MEMS sensor for liquid testing—Designed, sent for fabrication, and tested novel MEMS IDT sensor chip for direct detection of analytes in liquid.
- Liquid testing of prototype MEMS liquid sensor—Direct detection of organic compounds, biological macromolecules, fluorescent tags, proteins, and toxins.
- Pattern recognition data collection and algorithm development—Algorithm developed using multisensor data for application of detection in liquid.
Conclusions:
This Phase I Small Business Innovation Research project extended Seacoast Science’s MEMS- based chemicapacitive sensor array from the detection of analytes in the vapor phase to the direct detection of analytes in aqueous solution. This vital technological hurdle was accomplished by the successful deposition of transition metal nanoparticle-biomolecule conjugates onto a novel redesigned MEMS IDT chemicapacitive sensor platform, followed by exposure of the sensor to the analytes in water or buffer. Impressive limits of detection were obtained for small organic molecules (≤ 1 mM), proteins (~ 1 nM), and cyanoHAB toxins (~5 μM).
Supplemental Keywords:
small business, SBIR, EPA, harmful algal blooms, cyanobacteria, cyanoHABs, MEMS-based sensor technology, water quality; point of care diagnostics, water security,, RFA, Scientific Discipline, Water, Ecosystem Protection/Environmental Exposure & Risk, algal blooms, Environmental Monitoring, early warning capabilities, drinking water, algal bloom detection, MEMS based sensorThe 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.