Assay Expansion for Chemical Diagnostics System

The Joint Science Technology Office (JSTO) at the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) develops capabilities to protect the Joint Force against chemical and biological threats. One system currently in advanced development is the ChemDx device. The ChemDx is currently able to provide in vitro diagnosis of exposure to acetylcholinesterase inhibitors via a rapid (<1 min) electrochemical measurement1.

This electrochemical-based hand-held sensor, adapted from a traditional glucose monitor and test strips, measures acetylcholinesterase activity using a blood sample from a finger prick. It was intended for ChemDx to serve as a platform technology that could be modified to accommodate additional assays capable of providing indication of known and emerging threat exposure.

DTRA has interest in expanding the ChemDx platform to additional chemical agents including but not limited to opioids, pharmaceutical based agents (PBAs), toxins (e.g. but not limited to marine toxins, palytoxin, saxitoxin), and toxic industrial chemicals. Diagnostics assays that leverage electrochemical-based sensors may focus on host biomarkers, agent-based analytes (e.g. intact agent, metabolites, protein adducts), and binding activity (e.g. immunoassays, agent-target interaction). Sample types shall be minimally invasive (e.g. saliva, sweat, capillary blood). Novel approaches not included above are also encouraged and welcomed to respond to this RFI.

Please see the attachment associated with this sources sought for further information to include submission instructions.