BioFlash
Biological Identifier
Rapid biological aerosol collection & identification system
The BioFlash® Biological Identifier is a bio-aerosol collection and identification system. It uses CANARY™ technology along with proprietary aerosol collection techniques to provide a low-risk, cost-effective biological sampling and identification solution for environmental monitoring.
The BioFlash Biological Identifier provides rapid, sensitive and specific identification of various diseases and common biothreat agents such as anthrax, ricin, botulinum toxin, black plague, tularemia, smallpox. BioFlash® has also been proven to detect airborne SARS-CoV-2 by the United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID).
The BioFlash® uses proprietary aerosol collection technology and the platform CANARY technology to offer a complete, stand-alone solution for biological identification. CANARY™ technology was originally developed at MIT Lincoln Laboratory and has been tested at Pacific Northwest National Lab, Dugway Proving Ground and Edgewood Chemical Biological Center (ECBC). The technology has been used for over a decade in building security and mail screening applications.
The high performance aerosol sampler of the BioFlash is portable, durable and capable of taking high sample volumes in short periods of time. These capabilities allow for both indoor and outdoor applications, so air quality can be tested quickly and easily wherever you are.
The BioFlash operates using BioDisk consumables that contain genetically engineered biosensors. Each BioDisk contains sixteen cuvettes with different agent-specific biosensors in specific cuvettes. This allows more than one agent of interest to be detected and identified.
The BioFlash has a range of market applications including networked air monitoring for building protection, mailroom screening for military and commercial security, and a biological identifier for reconnaissance vehicles and mobile labs.
BioDisc
Samples are collected on a disposable BioDisc which is manually loaded into the BioFlash prior to the start of a user-determined sample collection period. BioDiscs contain a series of test chambers that produce light when a specific biological agent is detected; a light sensor detects this light output and identifies the biological agent based upon which test chambers produce light. An individual BioDisc can be configured to identify any six of 21 biological threat agents for which BioDisc-based immunoassay tests have been developed. Among the biological agents that can be detected are: anthrax, botulism, plague, ricin, smallpox and tularemia.
Each BioDisc contains 16 test chambers: two for each of six biological agents (the analyses are performed in duplicate to ensure a low false-positive rate), a positive and negative control test chamber, and two-sample archiving chambers that are used to store collected aerosols for subsequent analysis by laboratory-based methods.
Canary
CANARY is a tested and proven method of pathogen threat detection, providing users with an unprecedented level of speed and sensitivity in both commercial and defence applications. Originally developed by MIT, CANARY technology allows the detection of a wide range of pathogens including bacteria, viruses and toxins.
CANARY breaks though the limitations of current laboratory-based biological testing methods allowing detection capabilities to be conducted on-site or at the place of operation. It combines the sensitivity of PCR with the speed of Lateral Flow, allowing users to accurately test for tiny amounts of pathogen in minutes. The method requires very few materials, time, and minimal scientific expertise.
CANARY uses a genetically engineered immune cell called a “biosensor” to identify and bind to a specific target. When a pathogen is found, a reaction starts causing the biosensor to luminesce. By measuring light output from the cell, we can tell if the target biological is present in the sample.
Ease of Use
No complicated extractions or scientific expertise needed. Once your sample is prepared, tests results can be generated in 3-5 minutes, giving you the timely results you need.
Sensitivity
Imagine the biosensor as a cell covered in light bulbs with a switch. With other technologies, when a single pathogen is present the switch turns on one light bulb. With CANARY, the switch turns on all the light bulbs. This amplification of signal makes CANARY incredibly sensitive.
Speed
If a pathogen is present, it only takes seconds for the Biosensor to bind and luminesce, giving you results in under 5 minutes.