Physical Optics Corporation — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: Detecting chlorinated organic compounds in contaminated ground water is an ongoing concern

Description

Detecting chlorinated organic compounds in contaminated ground water is an ongoing concern due to their known toxic and carcinogenic effects. To address the Army"s need for a field-portable test to detect and quantify chlorinated organic compounds in water samples, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a novel Microfluidics-Based Organic Compounds Analysis (MOCA) device based on surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) and microfluidics. The novel device design provides compound pre-concentration, significant Raman enhancement, and microfluidics compatibility, enabling sub-ppb limit of detection (LOD),<15-min analysis time from sample collection to results, and applicability to detect other chemicals. The MOCA device requires no sample preparation and can be transitioned to a glass microfluidic chip-based design for the SafePortTM system. Additionally, the robust construction of the sensing microfluidic chip and reliable optical detection approach facilitates long shelf life. In Phase I, POC will demonstrate the MOCA device by fabricating the SERS substrate and microfluidic chip and testing compound detection. In Phase II, a fully optimized MOCA device will be developed with specifications of weight, footprint, LOD, sensitivity, selectivity, interferant effects, response time, and environmental impact. The Phase II MOCA technology will meet the Army requirements and be ready for onsite evaluation.