LITTLETON, Colo.–ADA Technologies, Inc. received a $70,000 contract from the U.S. Army for Phase I research into the development of a self-contained, integrated, disposable bio sampling platform. The sampling platform, known as a “lab-on-a-chip,” will quickly and inexpensively identify the presence of biological hazards in complex matrices, such as blood, soil, food, and water.

The lab-on-a-chip performs a sequence of chemical processes to break up cells and purify and concentrate the chemical constituents of biological hazards such as toxins, viruses, vegetative bacteria, and spores. The tiny, postage stamp sized chip is fully self-contained with everything needed to enable identification of unknown biological hazards.

According to ADA Chief Technical Officer Steven Arzberger, Ph.D., “Currently, highly trained laboratory technicians must perform multiple separate processes on large sample sizes to obtain enough material for biological hazard analysis and identification. ADA’s lab-on-a-chip not only saves time, but improves efficiency because it can be carried out by virtually anyone, regardless of training level.”

About ADA Technologies

ADA Technologies is a research, development, and commercialization company that specializes in creating and converting innovative technologies to commercial successes. ADA’s technology successes include the creation of three spin-off companies: Advanced Distributed Sensor Systems, Inc., Novinda Corp., and Pronghorn Technologies, LLC. Headquartered in Littleton, Colorado, ADA has received more than 180 research grants totaling more than $50 million. For more information, visit www.adatech.com or call 303-792-5615.

This project is sponsored by the U.S. Army Research Laboratory’s Army Research Office, and the content of the information does not necessarily reflect the position or the policy of the Government, and no official endorsement should be inferred.

About ARL: The Army Research Lab provides innovative science, technology and analyses to enable a full-spectrum of military operations. It serves as the bridge between the scientific and technical communities and the Army, and is the leader in providing innovative solutions for the current and future warfighter.