TAO TREASURES, LLC — Department of Defense SBIR Phase II: DHA201-003

Description

Tao Treasures LLC, dba Nanobiofab (NBF), hereafter referred to as Nanobiofab, is developing a revolutionary RAPID-iNose solution to address the urgent need for an intelligent wound dressing system that integrates bacterial infection detection with NPWT. The RAPID-iNose employs low-cost, highly sensitive, accurate, miniaturizable, AI-powered gas sensors for rapid, continuous, and real-time monitoring of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by microorganisms during growth, allowing for species-specific identification. RAPID-iNose's gas-sensor-based diagnostics can significantly decrease microbial identification time from days to hours or even minutes. This technology can also improve accuracy by identifying a broader range of microorganisms than traditional culture-based methods, as VOC production can occur even when standard culture conditions are not met. Furthermore, gas-sensor-based diagnostics enable real-time monitoring of microbial growth in clinical microbiology, leading to more targeted and timely treatment of infections. Key features of RAPID-iNose include: • Early detection within a 24-hour window, enabling prompt intervention and reducing complications in military personnel • A lower limit of detection compared to culture-based approaches, ensuring accurate identification of wound infections • Partial insensitivity to contaminants, making it suitable for field and hospital environments • Cost-effectiveness for widespread distribution among military units • Reduced training time and qualification requirements for laboratory personnel, expediting the implementation of this technology in military healthcare settings