Fayetteville, Arkansas — Vegrandis, LLC has received a $225,000 subcontract from Seacoast Science, Inc. to develop a microelectrochemical assay (MECA) detection system for airborne biological agents. Vegrandis’ MECA system for biological agents will be combined with a detection system for airborne chemical agents from Seacoast into a remote-controlled robot. The robot/detector will then be used to identify the presence of biological and/or chemical weapons both inside buildings and outdoors while minimizing the potential exposure of humans to these toxins. Operators of the device will remotely control the speed and direction of the robot, and air samplers will collect and concentrate particulate from the air. This particulate will then be tested for the presence of a wide range of chemical and biological agents. The detailed operation of the device is proprietary.

Vegrandis is to focus on the air sampler and detection system for biological agents. The first generation device will quantify the presence of a spore, a toxin, a virus and a bacterium. Detection of additional biological agents of concern can be incorporated into future versions of the device and will offer both military and civilian personnel a valuable tool in the fight against terrorism. Dr. Ron Goforth, COO of Vegrandis says, “Our MECA platform is perfectly suited for this application. This is the first time Vegrandis has been given the opportunity to integrate MECA with an air sampler. The combined use of these technologies will highlight the benefits of sensitivity, compactness and ease-of-operation offered by microelectrochemical detection.”

This work is supported by the US Army Medical Research and Material Command under Contract No. W81XWH-07-C-0001. The views, opinions and/or findings contained in this material are those of the author(s) and are not to be construed as an official Department of the Army position, policy or decision unless so designated by other documentation.

For more information on Vegrandis, LLC, check the website at www.vegrandis.com.
Contact: Ron Goforth
Phone: (479) 527-6591