PathSensors: Rapid Detection of Airborne Pathogens Using Jellyfish Bioluminescence Proteins

Pathsensors, Inc. is an environmental testing company housed at the University of Maryland Biopark in Baltimore. The company specializes in developing tests to quickly find pathogens in the infectious disease and biodefense sectors.

Using genetically engineered cells made from jellyfish that glow in the ocean, a new system can identify dangerous substances in aerosols.

Since 2007, the company has developed products for the U.S. Department of Defense and companies specializing in defense contracting. Pathsensors' other markets include building protection, mail room screenings, first responders, and food processing.

The BioFlash-E® system is based on the CANARY® (Cellular Analysis and Notification of Antigen Risks and Yields) technology, a revolutionary diagnostic technology developed by the scientists at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and published in Science. BioFlash® delivers extremely rapid detection of pathogens at previously unseen levels of sensitivity and specificity. A short video of the CANARY system is provided below:

The BioFlash-E® utilizes the BioDiscTM, a unique disposable integrated collection, reagent storage and test chamber. The operator simply inserts the BioDiscTM and the BioFlash-E® automatically collects and identifies up to 21 potentially hazardous biological agents. The simple and safe “remove and replace” procedure takes less than 2 minutes to complete, requiring minimal user training.