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CONFERENCE AGENDA
Thursday, November 5, 2009
8:00 Registration, Exhibit Viewing/Poster Setup, Coffee and Pastries
8:50 Organizer’s Welcome and Opening Remarks
9:00 KEYNOTE ADDRESS:
Department of Homeland Security Next Generation Biological Detection Program
Nels Olson, PhD, Program Manager, Chemical and Biological Countermeasures Division, DHS S&T, US Department of Homeland Security
The field of bio-detection technologies and assays has grown markedly over the past several years. This presentation will explore the technological space generated by the many platforms and assays made available by the scientific community at large. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) will specifically address the field of nucleic acid analysis and spectrum of technologies available. Starting with technologies that provide highly multiplexed, sensitive and selective detection via targeted analysis and finishing with those that provide more generalized information from metagenomic (environmental) samples. The intermediate technologies between the extremes of targeted and untargeted analysis will also be explored and examples provided. Ultimately, the goal of this talk will be to draw discussion on the spectrum of analysis types and their characteristics in biological detection scenarios.
9:30 Immunological Reagents for Detection
James P. Carney, PhD, Research Biologist, Edgewood Chemical Biological Center, US Army
Abstract not available at time of printing. Please visit www.KnowledgeFoundation.com for the latest Program updates
10:00 Multiphasic Approach to Detection and Characterization of Viral and Other Pathogens
Kurt Langenbach, PhD, Assay Development Scientist, BEI Resources/ATCC - Biodefense and Emerging Infections Research Resources Repository
Specialized techniques are needed to detect and characterize emerging infectious diseases and related pathogenic materials. Our work compares data gathered from a variety of immunological, cellular and molecular based assays employed for the detection, identification and characterization of Dengue virus and other pathogens. Some of the assays studied were developed in house at BEI Resources/ATCC for use in measuring unpredictable materials. A comparative study of these techniques highlights the need for a multifaceted approach for accurate detection and characterization of these pathogenic materials.
10:30 Networking Refreshment Break, Exhibit/Poster Viewing
11:00 Rapid Serological Detection of Tuberculosis
Chris V. Rathe, CEO, PriTest Inc.
PriTest has developed a serological testing platform to detect minute amounts of Mycobacterium tuberculosis antibodies in serum. The existing TB testing paradigm is mainly a response to symptoms, vs. the broad screening potential of this new test, which would make a significant contribution to the elimination of Tuberculosis. An added benefit, PriTest’s TBfree™ detects TB infection in HIV-positive patients, a difficult to test population.
11:30 Low-Cost Point-of-Care Device for Infectious Disease Pathogen Panel Assays
Michael J. Lochhead, PhD, Vice President, mBio Diagnostics, Precision Photonics Corporation
Infectious disease diagnosis and management requires timely information on multiple potential pathogens, particularly in limited resource settings (developing world, STD clinics, etc.). Visually read rapid test technologies have filled an important gap, but are typically configured for only one pathogen. mBio Diagnostics has developed a robust, low-cost fluidic cartridge and fluorescence imaging system for point-of-care, multiplexed assays. Clinical sample data will be presented demonstrating a multiplexed system for HIV/ hepatitis / syphilis serology. A second demonstration focuses on a respiratory virus panel, including RNA-based influenza subtyping. Technology performance for clinical samples of swine-origin H1N1 will be included.
12:00 Rapid Point-of-Care Detection System for Infectious Diseases
John Clarkson, PhD, CEO, Atlas Genetics Limited, United Kingdom
Atlas Genetics has developed a novel electrochemical sensor technology and is applying this for the rapid detection of infectious diseases. The talk will describe the development and first clinical evaluation of an integrated cartridge and instrument system which combines sample prep, DNA amplification and detection in under 20 minutes.
12:30 Luncheon Sponsored by the Knowledge Foundation Technology Commercialization Alliance Membership Program
2:00 Sniper Sequencing for the Identification and Characterization of Pathogens
R. Paul Schaudies, PhD, CEO, GenArraytion Inc.
GenArraytion, Inc. specializes in development of in-depth molecular signatures to identify essentially any biothreat agent at a level of detail that distinguishes it from its nearest neighbors down to the subspecies level. Data will be presented that illustrate the validity and robustness of this multi-locus approach for numerous biothreat organisms, bacteria, protozoa and viruses. Our flexible, highly multiplexed approach is compatible with numerous commercial and developing platforms and is being applied in biodefense, food and water safety, and clinical arenas.
2:30 Opportunities for Novel Nucleic Acid Detection with Sequence-Specific SCODAphoresis
Andre Marziali, PhD, President and CSO, Boreal Genomics; Director, Engineering Physics, University of British Columbia, Canada
We present a novel electrophoretic process for efficiently purifying and concentrating nucleic acids based on sequence similarity to a specific probe sequence, with single-nucleotide resolution in selectivity for enrichment and focusing. In addition, we will discuss progress towards a rapid, integrated optical detection method which takes advantage of unique properties of the SCODA process to achieve sensitive fluorescent detection of molecules. When combined with multiplexed sequence-specific target enrichment, this will allow for the rapid detection of multiple target sequences in a single, rapid, process.
3:00 Developing a Simple and Cost-Effective Molecular Diagnostic System by Using Helicase Enzyme
Tamara Ranalli, PhD, Staff Scientist, BioHelix Corporation
We have developed a novel isothermal DNA amplification technology, Helicase-Dependent Amplification (HDA). HDA uses a DNA helicase to separate double-stranded DNA and generate single-stranded templates for primer hybridization and subsequent extension. By combining HDA amplification technology with a disposable amplicon detection cassette, our IsoAmp® assays enable users to perform nucleic acid amplification test in resource-limited settings. Several IsoAmp assays are being developed, including SA/MRSA, HSV, C diff, HIV targets.
3:30 Networking Refreshment Break, Exhibit/Poster Viewing
4:00 Simple Format, Field-Ready Molecular Lock NATs
Susan Weininger, CEO, Biotami Corporation
Molecular Locks (MLs) are molecular assemblies that home precisely to target nucleic acids and lock, forming “handles” on the nucleic acid. The handles can be used to immobilized the target and attach labels (enzymes or fluorophores). This enables the ML-NA-ML sandwich to be localized and read. ML have the ease of use of Abs (same formats) and the target counting ability of PCR without requiring target amplification.
4:30 Department of Commerce Export Control Technological Procedures Related to Biological Agents and Equipment
Kimberly Orr, DVM, PhD, Microbiologist, Chemical Biological Controls Division, Bureau of Industry and Security, US Department of Commerce
The Department of Commerce controls the export of certain biological agents, equipment, and related technology. Foreign researchers working on non-fundamental research can also trigger export license requirements. This presentation will discuss how to determine if a license is necessary, and provide resources for when the classification does not seem straightforward as demonstrated by selected case studies.
5:00 Biological and Chemical Import/Export Regulatory Issues - Moderated Discussion
MODERATOR:
Kimberly Orr, DVM, PhD, Microbiologist, Chemical Biological Controls Division,
Bureau of Industry and Security, US Department of Commerce
• Why do these controls exists? Why should we be concerned? How does detection technology get on the Commerce
Control List?
• What agents are controlled? Is it sufficient to check the
Select Agent List?
• What if we need to export a genetic element?
• What if we need to ship equipment to a collaborator overseas? What type of detection equipment is controlled under the Department of Commerce and the Department of State?
• What if we need to transfer technology?
• What if we have a foreign worker/visitor in a US facility?
5:30 End of Day One
Friday, November 6, 2009
8:15 Exhibit Viewing/Poster Setup, Coffee and Pastries
9:00 Low Cost, LED-Based xMAP Analyzer for Multiplexed Diagnosis and Environmental Detection of Biological Agents
Amy L. Altman, PhD, Director, Extramural Research Office, Luminex Corporation
Open-architecture xMAP® technology, developed by Luminex, is ideally suited to a wide range of applications throughout the detection industry. xMAP technology allows simultaneous detection of bacterial, viral and toxin agents, in a highly flexible, multiplexed architecture. Recently, improvements built upon the core Luminex analyzer technologies have resulted in the development of MagPix; a low-cost, compact, rugged, diagnostic and environmental testing xMAP analyzer. This instrument moves away from a flow cytometry-based system to an instrument that employs Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) and a CCD imager, coupled with an improved magnetic microsphere-based array (MagPlex™).
9:30 Portable and Handheld TIRF-EC Biosensors for Rapid and Accurate Point-of-Care Diagnostics
Alexander N. Asanov, PhD, President, TIRF Technologies, Inc.
Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence (TIRF) combined with ElectroChemistry (TIRF-EC) is novel platform technology, which is ideally suited for rapid and accurate molecular diagnostics. The limit of detection of TIRF-EC is at the level of single molecules. TIRF-EC is capable of simultaneous detecting thousands of nucleic acid and protein markers in several seconds or a few minutes. In this presentation we report on the latest advancements in the development of portable and handheld TIRF-EC biosensors for point-of-care diagnostics. TIRF-EC is also a powerful tool for analysis of biomolecular interaction and nanoengineering of bioassays. The bioassays based on molecular beacons and molecular switches perform detection and quantification of nucleic acid signatures and protein biomarkers without labeling, and require no or minimum sample preparation.
10:00 Parallume: A Bead-Based, Assay-Neutral Optical Encoding Platform for the Low Cost Multiplex Detection of Analytes
Brian Baxter, PhD, Director, Parallel Synthesis Technologies*
Parallume optical encoding technology, which allows thousands of optical codes to be resolved within a six-color emitter system, is ideally suited for low-cost analyte detection. The Parallume platform consists of optically-encoded beads, a bead localization slide (BLS), and a low-cost bead reader (the Multiplex Assay Reader System, or “MARS”). A series of MARS have been developed from a hand-held, portable bead reader to an automated lab-based instrument for central testing within limited resource settings. The Parallume platform is assay-neutral and can be used for the detection of a wide range of analytes.
*In collaboration with: R. Haushalter, S. Xu, and S. Vetcha
10:30 Networking Refreshment Break, Exhibit/Poster Viewing
11:00 Development of Liquid Crystal Based Sensors for Biodetection
Richard S. Schifreen, PhD, President and CEO; and Joseph Burkholder, PhD, Manager and Group Leader, Biochemical Detection, Platypus Technologies, LLC
Liquid crystals (LC) are able to amplify subtle changes at solid or liquid interfaces due to long-range ordering of the liquid crystal molecules. Direct detection of virus captured by a surface-bound antibody, and a one-step endotoxin test are possible due to anchoring of the LC by the endogenous lipids present in the analyte. Elimination of secondary detection reagents, and low or no power readout strategies using polarized light enable low cost and portable sensors to be produced.
11:30 Species-Specific Real-Time Rapid Detection of Legionella Pneumophila in Water Samples Using Optical Waveguide Lightmode Spectroscopy
Steven Meikle, Ian Cooper, PhD, Geoff Hanlon, PhD, and Matteo Santin, PhD, School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Brighton, United Kingdom
Legionella pneumophila is slow-growing and nutritionally fastidious, such that other indigenous species can out-compete the Legionella. In this study optimisation of a rapid and sensitive (1.3 x 104 CFU mL-1) detection method for Legionella pneumophila contamination in a water sample in less than 25 minutes is reported. OWLS results were validated by conventional microbiology screening and AFM of the surface of the waveguide, showing its species specificity and potential applications in environmental and clinical analysis.
12:00 Direct Detection of Rare Circulating Tumor Cells in Blood by Competitive Allele-Specific TaqMan-Based PCR (castPCR)
Caifu Chen, PhD, Scientific Fellow and Sr Director, Genomic Assays R&D, Molecular Biology Systems Division, Life Technologies Corporation*
Circulating tumor cells in blood from metastatic breast and lung cancer patients have been reported as a surrogate marker for tumor response and shorter survival. Detection of these rare tumor cells in blood is the key to early cancer diagnosis. Here we report a new competitive allele-specific TaqMan-based PCR (castPCR) method for rare mutation detection. castPCR combines allele-specific TaqMan qPCR with allele-specific MGB blockers to suppress amplification of the wild type allele, resulting in better specificity. We have successfully designed and validated castPCR assays for 48 cancer-related SNPs of Ras, EGFR, Kit, pTEN, and p53. Results demonstrate that castPCR not only maintains the wide dynamic range, high sensitivity, and reproducibility but also improve the specificity of allelic TaqMan assays for up to 1 in 1,000,000. Results of detecting circulating tumor cells in cancer patient samples will be presented.
*In collaboration with: Ruoying Tan, Joyce Chan
12:30 Lunch on Your Own
2:00 Comprehensive CBR Agent Building Protection for Critical Building Applications
Timothy D. Stickler, Vice President, Protection Technology, ICx Technologies
This session will focus on providing information on assessing facilities from a risk-based threat and vulnerability protection assessment perspective with respect to the threats posed by CBR agents and explosive materials, as well as the types of CBR agent and explosives detection, collective protection and integrated electronic security systems available for application and use in protecting facilities and personnel.
2:30 Alternative Method for Biological Airborne Agents Detection in Only Few Hours / Innovative Microbial Air Sampler
Antonin Duval, Lab Equipment Manager, CNIM Group, Bertin Technologies, France
We will discuss the following laboratory equipment based on new technologies for sample collection and preparation: (i) Monitoring of airborne bio-particles - a sampling method compatible with rapid microbiological methods in order to get rapid, reliable and specific data on airborne biological agents. Coriolis®, the cyclonic method for airborne particles separation and collection into a sterile media directly compatible with rapid analysis such as immunoassay, PCR assay, phase cytometry and standard culture methods. (ii) Sample prep and lysis for homogenizing and grinding to to meet the latest requirements for analytical equipment throughput, reproducibility, detection limits and linearity using advanced bead beating technology, Precellys®, crucial for analytical chain of rapid method to extract and quantify DNA, RNA, proteins, lipids or drugs. Three applications illustrating the contribution of this equipment to the improvement of the molecular biology process as protein and DNA/RNA extraction from micro-organisms (as Bacillus) will be presented.
3:00 Portable Vapor Generator for the Calibration and Test of Chemical Sensors
Donald J. Hayes, PhD, President, MicroFab Technologies, Inc.*
The technology presented in this paper can be applied to a broad range of chemical sensors and can be used to test and calibrate the sensors as well as assist in the development of new sensors in the laboratory. The initial work targeted explosive detectors. The explosive vapor trace detectors deployed in the field require frequent verification and calibration to guarantee their accurate operation. In this paper we describe the latest advancements in the use of precision micro-dispensing technology for explosive vapor generation. The portable explosive vapor generator uses digitally controlled ink-jet dispensing to precisely eject minute amounts of dilute explosive solutions and convert them into a vapor pulse. The amount of explosive delivered to a detector can be controlled by the number of drops (dose mode ñ specified number of drops is generated) and the frequency of the droplet generation (continuous mode ñ droplets are generated continuously at fixed frequency). Testing of the portable system consisted in the evaluation of the repeatability by GCMS and initial testing with commercial explosive vapor trace detectors.
*In collaboration with: B.V.Antohe and M.E.Grove
3:30 Thermoplastic Microfluidics and Microwell Device Fabrication
Scot MacGillivray, Product Manager, microPEP
Cost and availability of molecular biology consumables, i.e. microwell arrays, have been an ongoing issue for the bio-detection industry. We have shown recent success with injection molded microwell arrays. microPEP has developed a tooling system to produce a microscope slide with 40million locations measuring 3mm diameter and 3mm depth. Some examples demonstrating successful application of microwell array based devices and related technological issues will be discussed.
4:00 Selected Oral Poster Highlights/Concluding Discussion
4:30 Summary, Concluding Remarks
4:45 End of Conference
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