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University of Wyoming

UW Technologies Available for Licensing

 

Technology Disclosure: 98-002, An Innovative Biosensor Element for Immunochemical Detection by Surface Plasmon Resonance Spectroscopy


In this day and age, terrorist activities are an extreme threat to our national security and are the source of danger and intimidation world-wide. Technology that can be applied to prevent terrorist acts is of immeasurable importance in the United States and around the world.

Researchers at the University of Wyoming have developed and patented (US 6,573,107) a technology for the rapid and specific detection of compounds, such as explosives and biological weapons. This technology can detect explosives used in bombs, accelerants used in arsons, biological species used in biological weapons, if fact, it can be used to detect any compound for which an antibody can be made. Even more important, this technology can detect these compounds in liquids and in air.

This technology uses an innovative biosensor element for use with Surface Plasmon Resonance Spectroscopy (SPRS) which is applicable for rapid and sensitive detection of substances in both the liquid and gas phases. This biosensor element is comprised of a specially designed surface which is optically coupled to a Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) spectrometer. Biomolecules such as antibodies, antibody fragments, or proteins are immobilized close to the SPR surface maximizing sensitivity and allowing for the rapid and specific detection of certain compounds. This technology is superior to other methods because, with the use of a reactive Self Assembled Monolayer (SAM) on the surface of the biosensor, compounds can be detected in the air (in the vapor phase) because no diffusion through a liquid/hydrogel layer of the antibody or target substance is needed.

Applications of this technology are vast, and its potential commercial opportunities are substantial. This system can be used as a portable, low cost device for the rapid detection (detects in seconds or minutes) of certain compounds present in air or liquids. As mentioned above, this technology makes possible devices capable of detecting explosives in airports, land mines, or other security situations and detecting airborne biological agents such as those used in biological weapons. It can be used to detect bacteria in body fluids or hospital spaces, including ventilation shafts. It can be used for the detection of drugs in blood, fluid, or breath. It can be used by police forces, search/security personnel, military forces, and heath care professionals. The possibilities are endless and the market for such a device is world-wide.

If you would like to learn more about this novel detection system and how your company may apply it in commercial situations, please see patent US 6,573,107 or contact the director of the University of Wyoming Research Products Center, Davona Douglass. We would be pleased to share further details.