The Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) is interested in proposals for applied research to characterize and analyze the critical properties of vertical flow proteomic paper substrates for use in Point of Need (PON) far-forward diagnostic and surveillance (FFDS) devices.
Such devices would be used for the multiplex identification of biological or chemical threat agents.
To address limitations of lateral flow immunoassays, researchers have recently developed sensitive flow-through assays in which samples and reagents are applied vertically. In addition, printing technology is starting to replace array spotting and could enable improved assays.
DTRA seeks a systematic analysis of critical parameters needed to provide a “rules-based” development platform. While improved sensitivity has been demonstrated in a limited proof-of-principle study using Vertical Flow ligand binding format, this BAA effort solicits for a well-controlled, systematic identification of the critical parameters.
In the context of a multiplex identification or typing assay, guard-band studies or design of experiments evaluation of such characteristic are sought:
- Flow Rate
- Flow Pressure
- Filter Paper Grades
- Membrane Porosity
- Buffer Formulation
- Ph/Ionic Strength
- Antibody/Ligand Printing Concentrations
- Specific Activity
- Binding Constants
Proposals are sought as part of DTRA Broad Agency Announcement: HDTRA1-14-CHEM-BIO-BAA. The deadline to submit questions is Dec. 3. Initial proposals are due by Dec. 22, 2014.
