Sensor Commercialization

Abstract

The objective of this CRADA was the transfer the BaDx technology to a commercial partner, Aquila Technologies, to develop BaDx for medium-scale production. BaDx is a stand-alone, diagnostics cartridge for use in resourcelimited and challenging environments to sense low concentrations (<100 spores) of virulent pathogenic bacteria. The fully sealed cartridge also contains a “self-destruct” feature in which the device contents are sterilized post-assay. The ultimate goal of this CRADA was realized as validated and full-functioning BaDx cartridges are currently available for purchase and acquisition from Aquila. This project also resulted in significant and prestigious recognitions including, a R&D100 Award (2014), a Federal Laboratory Consortium (FLC) Excellence in Technology Transfer Award (2015), Popular Science Magazine naming BaDx ‘One of the Greatest Innovations of 2015,” and a TechConnect National Innovation Award (2015). Further, this CRADA resulted in a commercially viable bioagent detection platform transitioned from a national laboratory to industry that may significantly enhance national security by reducing the threat from biological agents that are stored and maintained in laboratories with poor safety and security protocols. Hospital, health clinic and at-home healthcare could also be revolutionized by this technology. This work has already lead to two follow-on projects, one funded by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the other by the US State Department.