ADA receives U.S. Army contract for 'lab-on-a-chip' Phase I research

ADA Technologies, Inc. received a $70,000 contract from the U.S. Army for Phase I research into the development of a self-contained, integrated, disposable bio sampling platform. The sampling platform, known as a "lab-on-a-chip," will quickly and inexpensively identify the presence of biological hazards in complex matrices, such as blood, soil, food, and water.

The lab-on-a-chip performs a sequence of chemical processes to break up cells and purify and concentrate the chemical constituents of biological hazards such as toxins, viruses, vegetative bacteria, and spores. The tiny, postage stamp sized chip is fully self-contained with everything needed to enable identification of unknown biological hazards.

According to ADA Chief Technical Officer Steven Arzberger, Ph.D., "Currently, highly trained laboratory technicians must perform multiple separate processes on large sample sizes to obtain enough material for biological hazard analysis and identification. ADA's lab-on-a-chip not only saves time, but improves efficiency because it can be carried out by virtually anyone, regardless of training level."