PositiveID develops biological detection systems for America’s homeland defense industry as well as rapid medical testing. PositiveID is focused on the development of microfluidic systems for the automated preparation of and performance of biological assays in order to detect threats at high-value locations, as well as analyze samples in medical environments.
PositiveID’s microfluidic technology alleviates all existing problems by replacing robotics with integrated microfluidics, reducing cost and increasing reliability. Its microfluidic technology also automates and increases the effectiveness of key sample processing steps used today on the laboratory bench-top, into a closed, automated system. The embedded devices perform cell lysis (including difficult spores) in less than one minute at low power, nucleic acid purification along with inhibitor removal and preconcentration of the nucleic acid up to factors of 1000x within minutes. These processes all occur autonomously within a fully contained disposable microfluidic cartridge.
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Company’s M-BAND technology is a bio-aerosol monitor with integrated systems for sample collection, processing and detection modules. M-BAND continuously and autonomously analyzes air samples for the detection of pathogenic bacteria, viruses and toxins for up to 30 days. Results from individual M-BAND instruments are reported via a wireless network in real time to give a status of field conditions. M-BAND performs detection for up to six organisms on the Centers for Disease Control’s category A and B select agents list.
Firefly Dx
The Company’s Firefly Dx system is designed to deliver molecular diagnostic results from a sample in less than 20 minutes. Firefly is being developed further for a range of biological detection situations, including various strains of influenza, ebola, sever acute respiratory syndrome, methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), dengue fever virus, chikungunya, nipah, radiation-induced cell damage within the human body and other pathogens. Firefly is designed to be a point-of-care, real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) device, which is designed for use by first response teams to detect biological agents associated with weapons of mass destruction; agricultural screening in domestic sectors and developing countries, and point-of-need monitoring of pathogenic outbreaks.