Personal Monitor to Detect Exposure to Toxic Agents

描述（由申请人提供）：Advanced Sensor Technologies, Inc. （AST）提议继续其NIH资助的I期工作，开发一种完全自动化的小型设备，能够从一滴全血中监测不同类型的胆碱酯酶，以确定个体对有机磷（OP）化合物或氨基甲酸酯的暴露程度。该装置将适用于对农药工作人员、与OP化合物直接接触的人员以及可能接触化学战剂的士兵和平民进行大规模筛查。为了实现这些目标，AST开发了基于被动第一代微机电系统（MEMS）的原型机，该原型机集成了流体采集和外部监测系统，并进行了测试，以证明其在监测胆碱酯酶活性方面的可行性。AST正在申请第二阶段的资金，以改进第一阶段的原型，并开发一种商业上可用的、完全自动化的设备，适用于一般人群。血液中的胆碱酯酶活性受到OP化合物和氨基甲酸酯的影响，暴露水平与毒素浓度或活性成反比。不同类型的胆碱酯酶存在于血浆和红细胞中，由未经训练的个人在手指刺血样本中自动监测这些血酶，将需要几种不同组件的小型化和集成。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Advanced Sensor Technologies, Inc. (AST) proposes to continue its NIH funded Phase I efforts to develop a completely automated miniaturized device capable of monitoring different types of cholinesterases from a single drop of whole blood to determine the degree of exposure of an individual to organophosphate (OP) compounds or carbamates. This device will be amenable to mass screening of pesticide workers, persons in direct contact with OP compounds, as well as soldiers and civilians potentially exposed to chemical warfare agents. Towards these goals, AST has developed a passive first generation micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) based prototype with integrated fluid acquisition and external monitoring system, and has performed tests to prove its feasibility in monitoring cholinesterase activity. AST is requesting Phase II funding to improve the Phase I prototype and develop a commercially available, completely automated device, suitable for the general population. Cholinesterase activity in blood is affected by OP compounds and carbamates, with the level of exposure inversely proportional to the toxin concentration or activity. Different types of cholinesterases are located in plasma and red blood cells, and monitoring these blood enzymes automatically, in finger-prick samples of blood, by an untrained individual, will require miniaturization and integration of several different components.