Find Funding

Contract Topics

240 Early Diagnostics Using Nanotechnology-Based Imaging and Sensing

Number of anticipated awards: 3
(Fast-Track proposals will be accepted.)
Budget (total costs): Phase I: $150,000;
Phase II: $1,000,000

The deadline for receipt of all contract proposals submitted in response to this solicitation was:
5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time
Monday, November 6, 2006

The goal of this project is to develop nanotechnology-based sensors with improved sensitivity and specificity for early detection and post-treatment monitoring of cancer signatures using genomic and proteomic means operating in both in vitro and in vivo environments.

The survival rates from cancer can be dramatically improved if the disease is detected early enough. As an example, more than two thirds of ovarian cancer cases are detected at an advanced stage, and the five-year survival rate is 40%. However, if the disease is detected and treated early, when it is still confined to the ovary, the survival rate at five years increases to 90%.

Nanotechnology provides for an attractive alternative towards designing novel in vitro sensor platforms for recognition of genomic and proteomic signatures in cancer. The use of nano-object labels: quantum dots, nano-rods, and nano-wires permits for highly multiplex tagging of unknown molecules in a sample and their subsequent tag-by-tag recognition. These recognition can be carried out using optical or electrochemical means. Similarly, label-free sensing modalities can be developed using nano-cantilevers, nanowires, and carbon nanotubes providing for simplification of an assay regime. It is anticipated that these novel assays will exhibit superior sensitivity and specificity and ability to measure multiple signatures (from both genome and proteome), simultaneously. These newly developed sensors in conjunction with integrated sample preparation can facilitate migration of clinical lab tests to the physician's office, near patient, or point-of-care, where rapid access to diagnostic information could lead to more effective and timely medical decisions.

A parallel development which is also expected to contribute to early disease recognition, is related to novel contrast agents based on the nanoparticle platforms such as: magnetic particles, quantum dots, liposomes or dendrimers. These particles loaded with such agent can provide for an improved contrast and resolution of in vivo images. What is particularly interesting, is exploration of nanoparticle families and their surface chemistries allowing for a dynamic change of particle properties or their aggregation upon exposure to cancer-specific biomarkers. This property change, which can be subsequently detected through the imaging, for example, provides for an in vivo sensor which operates in immediate proximity to the tumor under investigation.

The objective of this program is to demonstrate sensor platform. Nanodevices should be used as: 1) analyte labels, or 2) act as direct sensor/signal transducers in individual or distributed (nanophase film) manner. Initially, sensor would be set-up to work with purified samples in in vitro environment, but eventually (Phase II) the sensor should be adapted to carry out analysis of 'real' patient samples. The proof-of-concept for in vivo operation will be also expected.

Phase I Activities and expected deliverables:

  • Design describing:
    • sensing and transduction methodology
    • particles selected for the solution (their commercial source or synthesis method)
    • expected recognition sensitivities
    • expected false positive rate
  • The attributes of the sensing platform should be the following:
    • capability to detect both DNA and protein signatures
    • at least 10-plex detection capability (recognition of 10 independent signatures, simultaneously)
    • detection platform should be 'optics-free' and rely on electronic, magnetic, or other non-optical means of recognition
  • Provide proof of concept demonstration using purified sample

Phase II Activities and expected deliverables:

  • Provide a working prototype of in vitro sensor system
  • Expand number of signature to 50
  • Demonstrate sensor sensitivity and specificity for 'real' (acquired from patient) samples. Compare with results from Phase I.
  • Demonstrate ability to conduct in vivo sensing solution.

Fast-Track justification:

While not necessary for all offerors, there are specific situations where fast-track funding would be appropriate. Fast-track combines Phase I and Phase II projects into one submission and allows for a faster transition between the phases. If there is a significant amount of preliminary data, or proof of concept demonstration already exists, this approach may result in a faster rate of technology development. A fast-track application requires inclusion of quantitative and specific deliverables in the Phase I portion of the application.

Before Phase II funding is awarded, a progress report towards meeting of the Phase I milestones must be received. Only upon successful evaluation of this report by the program manager will Phase II funding be approved.

[Back to Contract Topics]