Sentry Cell (Macrophage Hazardous Material Detection)
WSU Tech#: 10-991
Technology
Summary:
This technology is designed around an isolated cell
system for the detection of an energetic material comprising of an isolated
stationary macrophage cell isolated from a vestibular labyrinth of a Opsanus
sp. This macrophage cell is plated
in culture and when contacting a substrate it is sensitive to, the cell said
cell exhibiting a set of cellular responses characteristic of and specific to
said energetic material. Thus it
not only detects the presence of an energetic material, it can be used to
rapidly specifically identify that material as well. Examples include:
1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazacyclohexane,
2,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)l,3-propanediol, 1,3,5,7-tetranitro-l ,3,5,
7-tetrazocane, 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene, C4, Semtex Al, 1,2,3-trinitroxypropane,
and 2,3- dimethyl-2,3 ,-dinitrobutane, etc.
Benefit
Analysis:
According to the Homeland Security Research report, the multibillion
dollar Explosives Trace Detection (ETD) market is to undergo an accelerated
growth period driven by:
·
No competitive explosives
and narcotics trace detection modality on the
horizon
·
Oil-gas industry
security
·
China’s massive investments in new
airports and public security
·
The turmoil in the Arab
world
·
The Indian Government
counter terror investments
·
Scheduled US legislation
enforcing 100% cargo screening on all passenger flights.
They forecast that, with the 2013-2020 ETD market
(including systems sales, service, consumables and upgrades) will present
multi-billion dollar business opportunities growing at a CAGR of 14%. In 2013, it was estimated that the total
market .
Market
pressure is for innovative
detectors that are, small, easy to use,
affordable and can integrate into unmanned ground vehicles. The growth of the market is related to
Army procurement. Many well-known
explosive detection techniques such as mass spectrometry and chromatography rely
on close-contact sampling of surface residues or explosive vapors. Effective detection of explosive
materials should be able to detect explosives in both close-contact and standoff
(tens of meters) configurations. It
is the standoff configuration that can be difficult. Laser detection can be difficult because
there isn’t an accumulation of explosive residue or vapor and atmospheric
components (namely oxygen and nitrogen) can interfere with detection. It is believed that this technology
offers a highly sensitive detection system that can get over a number of
obstacles associated with other technologies.
Stage of
Development: Available
Patent
Status:
US Utility Patent
Application
Licensing
Opportunity:
WSU is looking for commercial partners interested in
furthering the validation of this technology and bringing the technology to
market. The inventors would be open
to assist in the generation of SBIR/STTR grants to fund the further development
of this technology.
Contact
for Further Information:
Frank Urban, MS, CBA, BA. email: frank.urban@wayne.edu
Phone (mobile): (734)
355-0730