SBIR-STTR Award

We will develop technology for assessing and managing oxidative stress in neurodegenerative disorders. The Phase I aims are defining urine plasma levels of twelve proposed purine, hydroxyl, and nitrohydroxy markers in a spectrum of neurodegenerative diseases; evaluating challenge tests for over production and under production of reactive oxygen species; investigating simplified sample acquisition analysis protocols for clinical laboratory markets; and applying new electrochemical technology for monitoring oxidative capacity. Methodology for existing Coulometric Electrode Array Systems (CEAS) with new adjunct technology for contaminant suppression and reactive species stabilization allows simultaneous resolution of twelve currently proposed oxidative stress markers from about 600 other oxidizable species. Unique properties of treated porous graphites allow the potential simplification of sample acquisition and assay and an integrated sampler sensor disposable derived from blood lead analysis technology will be used to measure total oxidative capacity. The works technical and commercial significance lies in demonstrating basic technological improvements in chromatographic methodology for the research market; broadening the applications of integrated sampler/sensor technology for on site monitoring and a new disposable kit and assay for the clinical laboratory market.National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

The proposed work involved three interrelated tasks: The study of the levels and effects of salicylate challenge tests on markers of free radical processes in a population of about 500 individuals with neurodegenerative disorders and controls. The development of robust methods for these compounds for the research and clinical market using new technologies for chromatographic separation and electrochemical detection. The development of point-of-need technologies for assessing specific (glutathione) and general indicators of oxidative protection. The principle new methodological developmental efforts focus on nitrated amino acids, DNA adducts, and benzoates. About 60 other indicators of metabolic status (purines, tyrosine, tryptophan metabolites, and antioxidant vitamins) will be monitored as test co-variables. The goals are to establish the utility of free radical challenge test and markers in clinical assessment, and to provide laboratory and point-of- need assay technology to utilize then effectively.Proposed commercial application:The work is expected to result in novel tests and LC hardware for clinical laboratory monitoring of oxidative stress markers and in point-of-need disposable monitors for glutathione and oxidative stress.Thesaurus termsbiomedical equipment development, free radical, method development, neural degeneration, oxidative stress biomarker, cerebral degeneration, clinical biomedical equipment, electrochemistry, free radical oxygen, glutathione, liquid chromatography, salicylate clinical research, human subjectNational Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)