QuestionandAnswers3.pdf

SBIR 20151

Questions and Answers #3 December 18, 2014

Q: For Subtopic 8.1.2N, In addition to (or instead of) a brevetoxin sensor, would you consider evaluating a molecular diagnostic approach (such as a DNA sensor) where the sensor would detect and monitor the algae responsible for generating the toxin (Karenia brevis)? We have an environmental microbial sensor that can monitor microorganisms in groundwater, and we could extend our platform to target K. brevis in seawater.

A: No. The kit we need is for measuring brevetoxin, the target substance of interest. It is not whether or not the cells are present, which can be easily determined using cell counts, but whether they are producing toxin that is the critical readout for the assay.

Q: For Subtopic 8.1.2N, based on our preliminary investigation, there are over 1200 known functional genes from this algae that can be targeted to monitor the toxin production. Given the current limitations and tediousness of oceanic toxin sensing, we believe that the detection of the brevetoxin producing gene would be a more effective way than detecting the toxin that is a result of its biochemical process, but we would like hear your opinion on this matter, too.

A:The polyketide genes involved in brevetoxin production have yet to be confirmed so there is no target gene that you can target for this purpose at the current time.

Q: For Subtopic 8.1.2N, if a sensor platform can integrate a toxin sensor with a K. brevis sensor to get a more complete and accurate picture of the given sample from a beach, would this be considered as an advantage?

A:This would be an advantage provided the cost per sample for both toxin detection and cell ID is kept below $10 so that this assay is affordable by public health departments and NGOs.

Q: For Subtopic 8.1.2N, Are there any absolute targets for detection limits?

A: Yes, they were specified in the Subtopic.

Q: For Subtopic 8.1.2N, in one of the other Q&A documents, I've seen that the desired sensor is a handheld instrument that costs < $500. In the long run, the reagent costs of biosensors are usually more significant than the initial instrument cost. Is there a clear cost/analysis value that would enable/hinder the use of such instrument?

A: The $500 dollar limit is due to the fact that a reader will ideally be placed at each beach monitoring location. Ultimately there is a need for at least 2040 machines to achieve an on the beach every day coverage. More expensive readers will be cost prohibitive and are of no use in developing the desired monitoring system.

Q: For Subtopic 8.2.2R, the Project Goals section of the solicitation states, “Successful projects will produce a platform with a desired size (<10cm in diameter)…”. Is the goal of this project to produce platform less than 10 cm diameter in any direction (ie. the platform would fit inside a 10 cm sphere)? Or is the intention to produce a platform less than 10 cm in diameter in one dimension (ie. the platform would be shaped like a cylinder, less than 10 cm in horizontal diameter, but possibly longer than 10 cm in vertical height)?

A: Yes, a sphere (or a shape that more approximate to a sphere) of 10cm diameter.

Q: For Subtopic 8.2.2R, the Project Goals section of the solicitation states, “Successful projects will produce a platform…with capabilities that include changes in buoyancy (vertical motion of up to 10m)…” Is the intention of this solicitation to produce a platform that completely submerges to a depth of 10m? Or would it be acceptable for a portion of the platform to remain on the surface?

A: The sphere of 10cm of diameter will need to entirely submerge to a depth of 10m.

Q: For Subtopic 8.2.2R, the Project Goals section of the solicitation states, “Successful projects will produce a platform…with capabilities that include…real time transmission…”. Is the goal of the project to create a platform that is constantly transmitting data, even while at depth? Or is the intention to provide a platform capable of live data transmission while on the surface?

A: The transmission will be done when the platform is at the sea surface.

Q: For Subtopic 8.42R, please tell me if any laboratory at NOAA has the facilities for verifying 3D anemometers/thermometers?

A: No. I think that such facility is not needed. 3D sonic anemometers have been produced commercially for several decades. Scientist at NOAA and all over the world have no doubts that 3D sonic anemometers work properly. I can make this conclusion based on many research papers I have read.