A Portable Biosensor for Francisella tularensis

描述（由申请人提供）：辐射监测设备公司建议设计和建立一个便携式细菌传感器，以确定弗朗西斯菌tularensis，CDC A类生物恐怖主义代理，在现场。该仪器将包括用于进行荧光标记和免疫捕获步骤的一次性微流体平台和利用我们的单光子敏感盖革模式微雪崩光电二极管（muAPD）的荧光检测器。muAPD坚固耐用，并且由于其低功率要求而可以由电池供电。添加适当的收集器将能够检测和鉴定空气、土壤、水和临床材料中的细菌。 第一阶段研究包括三个方面的探索和优化实验：（1）荧光标记F。通过非特异性DNA染料或如果需要，通过荧光抗体检测土拉菌;（2）通过单克隆抗体包被的磁珠选择性免疫捕获标记的细菌;和（3）构建检测器并分析通过聚（二甲基硅氧烷）微通道的标记的细菌的流体流动。 第二阶段研究将包括原型微流体装置的开发和测试，muAPD检测系统的最终设计，微流体平台与检测器的集成，以及集成原型仪器检测和识别F.土拉热。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Radiation Monitoring Devices, Inc. proposes to design and build a portable bacteria sensor to identify Francisella tularensis, a CDC Category A agent of bioterrorism, in the field. The instrument will consist of a disposable microfluidic platform for carrying out the fluorescence labeling and immunocapture steps and a fluorescence detector utilizing our single-photon sensitive Geiger-mode micro avalanche photodiodes (muAPDs). muAPDs are rugged and can be battery-powered due to their low power requirements. The addition of appropriate collectors would permit detection and identification of bacteria in the air, soil, water and clinical material. The proposed Phase I studies include exploratory and optimization experiments in three areas: (1) fluorescent labeling of F. tularensis by non-specific DNA dyes or, if necessary, by fluorescent antibody; (2) selective immunocapture of the labeled bacteria by monoclonal antibody-coated magnetic beads; and (3) construction of a detector and analysis of the fluid flow of the labelled bacteria through poly(dimethylsiloxane) microchannels. Phase II studies will include development and testing of prototype microfluidic devices, final design of the muAPD detection system, integration of the microfluidics platform with the detector, and evaluation of the ability of the integrated prototype instrument to detect and identify F. tularensis.