Microfluidic developing autonomous systems to detect biological attacks

FREMONT, Calif., 2 July 2008.Microfluidic Systems Inc. (MFSI) in Fremont, Calif., is set to produce an autonomous airborne pathogen detection and identification system to help protect cities and metropolitan areas from enemy attacks involving disease-causing microorganisms like bacteria and fungus.

Microfluidic is building this system, called Bioagent Autonomous Networked Detector (BAND), under terms of a contract from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in Washington. The company will build a few automated systems for field trials under supervision of the DHS Science and Technology Directorate.

DHS experts are paying for this program to monitor air quality for biosecurity threats. Microfluidic, as prime contractor, is working with partners Applied Biosystems and United Technologies Hamilton Sundstrand Division to develop the BAND system.

For more information contact Microfluidic online at www.microfluidicsystems.com.