Los Alamos lab licences unique pathogen detector to Biomagnetics Diagnostics

21 January 2010

Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) has licensed Biomagnetics Diagnostics Corporation (BMGP) to further develop a reagentless pathogen biosensor.

LANL, which developed the prototype bench-top and hand-held biosensors for the detection of human and animal pathogens, has provided Biomagnetics with a nonexclusive, field-of-use patent license agreement to expand the Laboratory’s Triggered Optical Biosensor and Integrated Optical Biosensor System (IOBS) technology.

The triggered optical biosensor is based on protein-receptor binding that brings two or more optically tagged receptors into close proximity using planar optical waveguides, thereby triggering fluorescence changes identified almost instantly by tiny on-board detectors.

These devices are specifically designed to be battery operated and ultraportable, allowing for the rapid detection of various viral and bacterial pathogens by relatively untrained personnel outside of the laboratory setting. The technology is capable of detecting multiple pathogens from a single blood sample.

Los Alamos originally developed the concept of a reagent-less, laser-based system for homeland security purposes, aiming to allow first responders to rapidly identify toxins and pathogens in the field.

Broader applications, such as disease diagnostics, blood bank screening and hospital use, offer commercial partners an interesting opportunity, said LANL Technology Transfer representative David Hadley.

“We are excited to have Biomagnetics as a commercialization partner for Los Alamos National Security, LLC’s IOBS technology. Executing the license agreement is the first phase of our relationship and we look forward to expanding it with a formal collaboration to further develop the IOBS technology,” Hadley said.

For more information on licensing the technology see:
http://www.lanl.gov/orgs/tt/license/technologies/
index.php?fuseaction=home.viewTechnology&id=491

 

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