Biotechnix, Inc. products

Many aerosols occur at very low concentrations, or may be only a small fraction of the background aerosol distribution. Therefore, not only is it necessary to sample large volumes of air in order to collect sufficient material for accurate detection, but for most measurement techniques it is also necessary to concentrate the aerosol and restrict the fraction collected to a range of particle sizes that is of greatest importance for the target agents. Biotechnix has developed the capability to deliver large numbers of aerosol particles into very small droplets using a µADL (micro-aerodynamic lens) array aerosol concentrator coupled to a capillary deposition and collection device. We have demonstrated the ability to deposit a concentrated stream of aerosol particles on the inner surface of a capillary and to incorporate those particles into a very small droplet which is used to elute the particles off the walls of the capillary.

Biotechnix technologies provide efficient interfaces to a variety of analyzers. Whether the chosen analysis method is polymerase chain reaction (PCR), proteomics or immunoassay, our microchannel fluid concentrator enables portability and affordability not found in other devices. The Biotechnix µADL (micro-aerodynamic lens) aerosol concentrator has been demonstrated to be effective as part of an endotoxin exposure monitor which combined our novel aerosol concentrator, a micro-particle collector, and a microfluidic sample processing and detection platform. For new applications, our µADL aerosol concentrator can be used by companies who are developing and/or augmenting bio-detection equipment and methods—mass spectrometry, proteomics, etc.—enabling them to build more efficient and complete systems.

Biotechnix technology makes possible advanced environmental monitoring techniques. We have developed a low-cost, real-time exposure monitor capable of assessing particulate matter (PM) and volatile organic compound (VOC) concentrations in residential buildings with a resolution and sensitivity greater than that achievable with current building monitors, at a much lower cost. Our technology was also applied to trace explosives detection in a portable, compact, low-power, and low-cost unit. This approach combined several steps: dislodging particles and vapors from surfaces; aspiration of the dislodged particles and vapors into an ADL (aerodynamic lens) aerosol concentrator or onto a disposable coupon; and delivering the captured aerosol particles and adsorbed vapor molecules in a low flow sample to a downstream optical detector or on a coupon compatible with existing ion mobility spectrometers.

Effective collection of particles from surfaces is of major importance in detecting trace explosives residues on vehicles, in airport luggage, in mail, and in cargo. It is also vital for effective screening of personnel for concealed explosives, and environmental monitoring. Non-contact sampling allows for interrogation of complex geometries, such as inside corners, cracks and crevices that may collect particulates. Biotechnix has optimized technology for handheld, high-volume, non-contact sampling of trace explosives and has validated its performance at the Transportation Security Laboratory with Smiths Detection and with Morpho Detection (now Rapiscan) detectors. During sampling, liberated particles are collected onto a custom-designed coupon capable of capturing particles generally larger than 10 microns and holding multiple samples.