Grantee Research Project Results
Final Report: Quantum Dot/Aptamer Real-Time Flow Sensor
EPA Contract Number: EPD10039Title: Quantum Dot/Aptamer Real-Time Flow Sensor
Investigators: Bogomolova, Anastasia
Small Business: Smart Polymers Research Corporation
EPA Contact: Richards, April
Phase: I
Project Period: March 1, 2010 through August 31, 2010
Project Amount: $69,999
RFA: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) - Phase I (2010) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) , SBIR - Homeland Security
Description:
The purpose of the Phase I research was to develop a feasible approach to real-time flow sensing of water contamination using aptamer-target recognition principle and quantum dot fluorescent labels. To focus on the method development, two known aptamers and corresponding specific targets were used as pathogen simulants in Phase I. Individual sensing with sensitivity and specificity characterization, as well as exploring the potential for multispecific detection, were part of the Phase I project. The goal of the Phase I effort was to prove the feasibility of Smart Polymers Research Corporation's detection approach, which was successfully achieved.Summary/Accomplishments (Outputs/Outcomes):
Smart Polymers Research Corporation has successfully developed and optimized a working prototype of a novel real-time fluorescent flow sensor. The sensor utilizes aptamer recognition principle and fluorescent quantum dot labels. The sensor is based on a competitive displacement approach to measure the binding of the analyte, which keeps the nonspecific binding below detectable levels. The sensor can function both in real-time for continuous target detection as well as in discontinuous mode for measurements performed with time intervals. In both modes, the response is concentration-dependent. Smart Polymers Research Corporation has performed significant optimization of the sensing surface preparation to achieve highest sensitivity. Smart Polymers Research Corporation was able to detect biologically relevant concentrations of two chosen targets, ATP and IgE, using specific aptamer recognition. Simultaneous bi-specific detection has been demonstrated successfully. Real-time amplification-free detection using aptamer binding has never been reported before and has a high scientific and commercial potential. The approach will be applied to the detection of real life pathogens in Phase II.Conclusions:
Smart Polymers has successfully completed all 5 tasks of Phase I, obtaining positive and novel results. Smart Polymers has proved the feasibility of its approach for real-time flow sensing and has developed a working sensor prototype using known aptamers and corresponding targets. The success of the Phase I research effort exceeded expectations and will guarantee a functional product by the end of Phase II.
Supplemental Keywords:
small business, SBIR, EPA, aptamer, quantum dot, fluorescence, fluorescent quantum dots, pathogens, biothreat, environmental monitoring, sensor, biowarfare agents, water monitoring, air monitoring, homeland security, real-time monitoring, biological pathogens, fluorescence wavelength, food pathogens, public health, bioterrorism, pathogen detectionSBIR Phase II:
Quantum Dot/Aptamer Real-Time Flow 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.