SBIR-STTR Award

The long-term goal is to increase the sensitivity and range of application of clinical chemiluminescent immunoassays. Substantial public benefits could follow. Specific objectives include:(1) Prepare preliminary assay substrates by plasma surface modification,(2) Test substrates for background luminescence and non-specific protein binding,(3) Prepare additional substrates using designated plasma monomers,(4) Test substrates for background luminescence levels in immunoassays, and(5) Analyze results and describe their relevance to a Phase II program leading to expanded commercial applications of cbemiluminescent assays.Awardee's statement of the potential commercial applications of the research:Commercial applications for more efficient substrates could expand the medical uses of chemiluminescence and other assay methods.National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)

The technique of plasma polymerization is to be used in a Phase II project to modify the surfaces of transfer and blotting membranes. The research has the potential to increase the sensitivity and versatility of DNA detection, particularly with chemiluminescent methods. The work may lead to wider options for replacement of radioactive probes that face growing environmental and regulatory opposition. Based on the Phase I results, modification of common transfer/blotting membranes by plasma processes (primarily plasma polymer deposition) is expected to give a four to tenfold improvement in sensitivity. A prototype plasma system for continuous treatment of 30-cm wide by 1000 meter long membrane stock is to be developed. The specific objectives are optimization of plasma processes; extended study of the effects of modification on binding of DNA, RNA, and proteins in membrane hybridization; correlation of membrane surface morphology with biochemical efficacy in non-isotopic detection; confirmation of commercial probe systems compatible with optimized membrane treatments.National Center for Human Genome Research (NCHGR)