SBIR-STTR Award

Continuously Operating Sensor for Detection of Nerve Agent Contamination in Aqueous Solutions
Award last edited on: 5/12/2005

Sponsored Program
SBIR
Awarding Agency
NSF
Total Award Amount
$587,758
Award Phase
2
Solicitation Topic Code
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Principal Investigator
Markus Erbeldinger

Company Information

Agentase LLC

2240 William Pitt Way
Pittsburgh, PA 15238
   (412) 423-2100
   N/A
   www.agentase.com
Location: Single
Congr. District: 17
County: Allegheny

Phase I

Contract Number: ----------
Start Date: ----    Completed: ----
Phase I year
2003
Phase I Amount
$99,990
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to demonstrate the utility of a continuously operating sensor for detection of nerve agent contamination in aqueous solutions. Single-use surface-sensing technology will be adapted to an on-line, real-time sensor format for detection of trace amounts of nerve agent contamination. The unit will be small, self-contained, inexpensive, and compatible with other sensor constructs. The sensing mechanism will be based on using two enzyme reactions in dynamic equilibrium with each other. The equilibrium is disrupted when one of the enzymes (cholinesterase) is inhibited, resulting in a dramatic pH change. This pH change can be measured electronically or visualized by color indicators. The sensor is expected to outperform any conventional technology for nerve agent detection in its simplicity of use, interference resistance, broad-based compatibility with surfaces, liquids, and gases, and low cost. The commercial application of this project will be in the area of homeland defense. Early warning and continuous monitoring devices are of urgent need in the event of a chemical warfare attack

Phase II

Contract Number: ----------
Start Date: ----    Completed: ----
Phase II year
2004
Phase II Amount
$487,768
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is to develop a continuously operating water monitoring device for the detection of chemical warfare agents and hazardous chemicals. Prior Phase I work demonstrated the feasibility of this method and resulted in the construction of a bench-top model that could respond rapidly to contamination, that was resistant to environmental and chemical interference, and that could operate for extended periods of time without user intervention. In Phase II, this model will be modified into a small, self-contained, inexpensive prototype. Several optimized prototypes will be constructed for field trials under operational conditions. The commercial application of this project will be in the area of bioterrorism and homeland security