SBIR-STTR Award

We propose transition a novel bioluminescence (BL) sensor technology to develop a commercial general purpose bathyphotometer based product for biological assessment of natural waters. This proposal directly addresses ONR topic # N05-T026 for the need to transition new and novel BL sensing technologies from the research to the commercial realm in order to enable a more comprehensive quantification of the spatial and temporal variability of the biogeochemical complexity of coastal oceanic ecosystems. For this purpose, a leading manufacturer of in situ bio-optical instrumentation, WET Labs, has partnered with a renowned group of researchers from the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) to transition in situ bioluminescence (BL) sensing technologies developed at the University into a commercially viable combined bioluminescence and inherent optical properties integrated sensor suite. This Underwater Biological Assessment Tool (U-BAT) will provide unprecedented capabilities for scientists and resource managers to observe and discriminate bulk-phase biological processes in the water column. The envisioned invention will also directly address Naval survey and tactical operations in providing a visibility and vulnerability assessment for deployed assets and potential threats.

Keywords:
Bioluminescence Sensor, Coastal Ocean, Inherent Optical Properties, Profiling

The goal of this research is to produce a light-weight, inexpensive bioluminescence sensor capable of accurately measuring fine-scale vertical bioluminescence potential (<< 1 m resolution), that can be integrated onto a variety of coastal ocean platforms. After successful Phase I transition of the Multipurpose Bioluminescence Bathyphotometer (MBBP-G3) sensor technology developed at UCSB to WET Labs, Phase II will further develop and refine this technology to produce a commercially available bioluminescence sensor. The envisioned Underwater Bioluminescence Tool (UBAT) will provide a single integrated sensor or system for wide-scale, cost effective, full water column profile bulk-phase biological processes discrimination and assays. The envisioned product directly address Naval needs by providing a rapid, reliable, visibility and vulnerability bioluminescence (BL) assessment for deployed assets and potential threats. By broadening the use of the BL measurements UBAT will significantly increase general understanding of the roles of BL in oceanic biodynamics. This work directly addresses ONR topic # N05-T026 for the need to transition novel BL sensing technologies from the research to the commercial realm in order to enable a more comprehensive quantification of the spatial and temporal variability of the biogeochemical complexity of coastal oceanic ecosystems.

Keywords:
Bathyphotometer, Bioluminescence, Bio-Optics, Biodynamics, Fine-Scale Resolution