STTR Phase I: Sensor Probe for Monitoring Li+ in Bipolar Patients Subscribed to Lithium Therapy

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This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project aims to develop a miniaturized biosensor for rapid in vivo determination of Li+ in human body fluids. The biosensor will be based upon complexation between three independent surface bound crown ethers which will be able to identify and ratio Li+ ions against the common interferant ions Na+, or K+. Coordination of the ion/s will be detected by Surface Plasmon Resonance Spectroscopy. This project will consist of a series of experiments which, if successful, will allow development of a miniaturized user-friendly, fiber-optic probe to detect a positively charged ion (cation, e.g. Li+) in low concentrations in body fluids. Logical progression will comprise adapting an existing SPRS surface modification technology to the tethering of the ion selective crown ethers for Li+, Na+ and K+. This project will include the synthesis and purification of the crown, 4-aminobenzo-12-crown-4 as this compound is not available commercially. Further, the chemically modified surfaces will be examined for selectivity against each individual ion and in the presence of a mixture of all three. Finally, the limits of detection will be addressed. A completed miniaturized portable device based on this proposed research will rapidly and reliably detect ionic concentrations/imbalances in human or biological subjects. This device will monitor lithium (Li+) in known bipolar disorder patients under lithium therapy. In situ rapid detection will minimize clinical laboratory time, increase the "safety net' against over-medicating, and provide the patient/doctor with instant feedback to determine appropriate dosage.