SBIR-STTR Award

Cyclops proposes a solution for studying deep-sea microbial biodiversity using a patented sampling methodology and device allowing for the retrieval of uncontaminated, undisturbed deep-sea samples while maintaining ambient pressure. The study of deep-sea microbial ecology is limited by the absence of a sampling technology that can collect and maintain sample media in the absence of decompression, and assure an uncontaminated and uncompromised sample. The solution to this is addressed by employing an innovative controllable interface between the marine environment and the sample chamber. Phase 1 will achieve proof of design and establish and test the operating principles for the Sampler, allowing for Phase 2 building of an operational prototype. As required by the subtopic, the Cyclops technology is intended to interoperate with existing surface handling equipment - a high pressure isolation/culture chamber and a chemostat -which collectively comprises a system for the retrieval, transfer, isolation, and culturing of marine organisms, in the absence of decompression and allowing study of organisms in their natural environments. Research objectives for Phase 1 is to test the operational elements of the design, the controllable interface between the marine environment and the sampler chamber, and motion control elements.Commercial Applications:The commercial applications for the technology are supported by the rapid growth of the field of extremophiles. For example, the recent discovery that actinomycetes (a key source for antibiotics), exist at hydrothermal vents is a prime application of the technology. This study of marine actinomycetes could provide the basis for new resistant strains of antibiotics. Other commercial applications for the novel bioactive compounds to be retrieved by the Cyclops technology include enzymology, biotechnology and any other industry engaging in natural product research.

Cyclops proposes a solution for studying deep-sea microbial biodiversity using a patented sampling methodology and device allowing for retrieval of uncontaminated, undisturbed deep-sea samples while maintaining ambient pressure. Examination of deep-sea microbial ecology is limited by the absence of sampling technology that collects and maintains sample media in the absence of decompression, and assures an uncontaminated and uncompromised sample. The technology employs an innovative controllable interface between the marine environment and the sample chamber. This design, and unique method of operation, have achieved all Phase 1 goals, establishing viability of all core elements of design and operation. Phase 2 objectives will achieve proof of principle by fabricating a fully operational prototype capable of retrieving an abyssal sediment core, including the benthic boundary layer. This embodiment can be modified to retrieve liquid, solid, slurry, or whole organisms, maintain ambient pressure; and preserve the native environment. The technology interoperates with existing surface handling equipment -e.g. a high-pressure isolation/culture chamber and chemostat - to create a system allowing retrieval, transfer, isolation, culture, and the study (in natural environments) of benthic marine organisms (all in the absence of decompression). Phase 2 objectives: Build, test, and operate sampler, and commence retrieval of abyssal sediment cores. COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS: The commercial applications for the technology are supported by the rapid growth of the field of extremophiles. For example, the recent discovery that the actinomycetes (a key source for antibiotics) exists at hydrothermal vents is a primary application to technology. This study of marine actinomycetes could provide the basis for new resistant strains of antibiotics. Other commercial applications for the novel bioactive compounds to be retrieved by Cyclops technology includes enzymology, biotechnology, and any other industry engaging in natural products research.