M-BAND: Microfluidics Bioagent Autonomous Networked Detector

Designed under contract with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, PositiveID’s Microfluidic- Bioagent Autonomous Networked Detector (M-BAND) is a bio-aerosol monitor with fully integrated systems with sample collection, processing and detection modules. Each module is fully functional and adaptable. M-BAND runs autonomously for up to 30 days, continuously analyzing air samples for the detection of bacteria, viruses, and toxins with results in as little as three hours. Results from individual instruments are reported via a secure wireless network in real time to give an accurate and up to date status for all fielded instruments.  The Company has developed and implemented its own biological assays.

Designed for either outdoor or indoor environments, the M-BAND will operate from – 25 to 125 ºF. The M-BAND utilizes the industry gold-standard real-time PCR with an end-point read and toxin immunoassays which are well-established in the field for optimal specificity and sensitivity. Designed with a high level of operational flexibility, M-BAND can be remotely set to detect for DNA-based pathogens alone, with or without either RNA-based organisms or toxins, or for all three types of pathogens simultaneously at remotely programmable intervals. Air collection rates of 400L/min have been achieved providing 10 mL of concentrated fluidic sample to the detection system. Sample processing time includes: 60 minutes lysis and purification and a thermal cycling rate of 1.2 min/cycle. The typical time for combined sample processing, fluidic handling, and detection is 140 minutes assuming 40 thermal cycles. Toxin analysis time is 40 minutes.

The net benefits of the M-BAND system architecture include an instrument that offers decreased consumable and operating costs, provides a small footprint, maintains a closed operating environment, and offers tremendous flexibility of operation and for future upgrades. The M-BAND technology is protected by a portfolio of 13 key patents/patents pending.