STTR Phase II: Cell-Mimic Optical Waveguide Sensor for Real-Time In-Line Biological Pathogen Detection

Intelligent Optical Systems, Inc, Gardena CA

Investigators

Abstract

This Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase II project will develop a cell-mimic optical-based biosensor for the real-time detection of foodborne biological pathogen. Five million analytical tests are performed on food annually in the U.S.; unfortunately, current microbiological test methods are time consuming and labor intensive. Intelligent Optical Systems, in collaboration with the Scripps Research Institute, proposes to develop an optical biosensor that mimics a cell membrane that has undergone biological pathogen attack. The response of the cell-mimic biochromatic membrane to the foodborne toxins is sensitive, specific, and instantaneous. During Phase I, the team developed "highly stable" cell-mimic membranes and demonstrated them in two laboratory systems: (1) a cell-mimic optical waveguide sensor (COWS) for "in-line" monitoring, and (2) a cell-mimic optical bead sensor (COBS) for "on-site point detection". These laboratory systems were used to detect foodborne toxins (E. coli-enterotoxin and cholera toxin) with excellent speed (< 1 minute), sensitivity (500 - 1 ng/ml), specificity (molecular receptor), and simplicity (one step). Phase II will focus on optimizing the cell-mimic biochromatic polymers, engineering and field-testing a portable COBS prototype, and extending the tests to other foodborne toxins.