Microfluidic Systems set to improve the detection of airborne pathogens
California-based Microfluidic Systems (MFSI) has signed agreements with two scientific technology leaders for the continued development and production of MFSI's Bioagent Autonomous Networked Detector (BAND).
MFSI is a prime contractor receiving funding to develop an improved, more cost-effective autonomous airborne pathogen detection and identification system.
MFSI teamed up with Applied Biosystems and United Technologies to incorporate proven technologies into the Microfluidics-based Bioagent Autonomous Networked Detector (M-BAND) and ensure service and support from these two corporations.
These new systems in development are intended to improve the detection of airborne pathogens that could contaminate the air in a city or large region.
The US Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology Directorate has been funding BAND development for the past three years through Phases I-III of the BAND program, which is a government program dedicated to monitoring air quality, particularly focused on biosecurity threats, such as anthrax, plague and smallpox.
Under the agreement between MFSI and Applied Biosystems, Applied Biosystems will provide manufacturing of TaqMan(R) assays, which are chemistry reagents that can detect harmful pathogens. Applied Biosystems TaqMan(R) assays have provided over 5.2 million anthrax screening tests used in on-going mail screening applications.
"Environmental surveillance requires reliable and scalable solutions that stay ahead of existing and emerging biosecurity threats," said Leonard Klevan, president for Applied Biosystems' applied markets division.
“Applied Biosystems' proven performance in large scale, mission-critical, environmental testing programs reinforces confidence in our ability to contribute to the M-BAND system for improving detection of airborne pathogens."
With MFSI as the developer and manufacturer of the key microfluidics components and continuing prime contractor, a fully integrated and complete team has been established to role out the M-BAND product with state-of-the-art microfluidics and TaqMan(R) assays, superior manufacturing and field support.
Microfluidic Systems ceo M. Allen Northrup., said: "With the continued success of MFSI's prime role in the BAND programme and the establishment of a world-class team for production and support of all the required aspects of the system, we believe we will be able to complete development of a cost-effective solution for the growing need for more efficient airborne pathogen detection and identification."