APPLIED FOOD TECHNOLOGIES, INC — Department of Agriculture SBIR Phase I: 8.5
APPLIED FOOD TECHNOLOGIES, INC — SBIR Phase I award from Department of Agriculture.
Phase I SBIR feasibility signal
- Phase I awards fund proof-of-concept work. For capture teams, they mark early interest from Department of Agriculture in a technical approach.
- Watch for Phase II follow-ons from the same firm/topic family — that conversion path is where budgets and transition pressure rise.
- Obligated amount $99,500. Cross-check similar awards in the same agency and technology tags for going-rate context.
- Topic code 8.5 links this award to a solicitation family — search the same topic stem for incumbents and recompete timing.
- Amount
- $99,500
- Agency
- Department of Agriculture
- Program / Phase
- SBIR · Phase I
- Topic
- 8.5
- NAICS
- —
- Place of performance
- FL
- Period
- 2017-06-01 → 2018-01-31
Description
In Phase I of this project, we will show "proof of concept" that we can develop a rapid method with end-point detection for tuna to differentiate between albacore tuna, and two common adulterants/substitutes for this species-- skipjack tuna and escolar. We propose to streamline the test procedure by eliminating the DNA extraction step (via a direct amplification technology); and replace traditional PCR amplification by conducting isothermal amplification. Once the Phase I objectives are accomplished, in the Phase II, we will optimize these parameters and develop a lateral flow dipstick device for endpoint detection and add additional tuna species and other common tuna substitutes onto the DNA fish stick. Our overarching goal is to deliver a commercialized 3-step lateral flow test that will readily distinguish the eight major, high-valued tuna species in commerce from one another as well as from the commonly substituted species found in commerce. The seafood industry is demanding rapid, user-friendly species identification tests. The entire tuna supply chain (from harvest to consumption) has a critical and immediate need for such a test.