Development of breathalyzer biosensor for cannabis detection**

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Biosensors are analytical devices which consist of biological molecules attached to the sensor surface that bind specifically to target analyte molecules; upon binding a biochemical signal then converted to an electric signal by a transducer producing simple signal readout, such as "Yes", or "No". Biosensor development combines advanced nanotechnologies with the fundamentals of biological recognition with the purpose of developing new sensors and devices for drug testing, food safety and environmental control.**The main goal of this project is to establish collaboration between SannTek Labs and Dr. Leonenko's laboratory at University of Waterloo with the purpose to identify the most optimal biosensing protocols for the development of breathalyzer sensor device for cannabis, which will allow for the quick and simple testing of the air (breath) in order to identify the presence of cannabis.**Dr. Leonenko's laboratory has expertise in biophysics, nanotechnology and leads NSERC-funded research program in biosensor development. SannTek Labs is a rapidly growing high-performance startup company, based out of the Velocity entrepreneurship program at the University of Waterloo, and has a goal of building and bringing to market its first innovative product, a breathalyzer device for cannabis detection.**The complementary expertise and efforts of both groups will be combined to achieve the successful development of the SannTek cannabis breathalyzer, and the protocols obtained within this project will be immediately incorporated into the sensor development for production. **The device for cannabis testing is a desperately needed product within Canada. This sensor device will significantly help and improve the drug testing procedures, and thus it will contribute to the safety of all Canadians by helping keep drug-impaired individuals off the roads and away from dangerous activities.**