Portland, Maine
July 1, 2009
Earlier in June,
EnviroLogix was one of
five Maine companies to receive a Maine Technology Institute
“Development Award.” Fourteen companies applied for competitive
Development funds. The award, made by MTI’s Board of Directors,
provides for up to $500,000 in funding to selected recipients
and requires at least a 1:1 dollar match by the winning company.
EnviroLogix applied for and was awarded $499,727 and will match
with $499,805.
Supplemented
by this award, EnviroLogix will continue to improve and optimize
isothermal amplification methods, exclusively licensed from
Ionian Technologies Inc. (San Diego, CA) for agricultural, plant
pathogen and veterinary markets. The NEAR (Nicking Enzyme
Amplification Reaction) Assay permits the amplification of DNA
and RNA in approximately 5-7 minutes, with sensitivity and
specificity equal to or better than PCR methods. The
amplification products can be detected by a variety of standard
methods, including LC-MS, fluorescence detection using widely
available thermocyclers or a low cost fluorimeter, or lateral
flow strips compatible with point-of-testing devices.
Funding by
the Maine Technology Institute will be directed at the rapid
detection of selected genes or gene segments specific to
Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis (Cmm),
a pathogen affecting tomato seed and financially crippling to
the tomato industry and commercial seed suppliers. A rapid,
sensitive and specific assay for Cmm would be welcomed by these
markets. In combination with NEAR technology, assays will be
developed using Immunomagnetic Separation (IMS),
fluorescence-based molecular beacons, and lateral flow methods.
Founded in
1996, EnviroLogix also develops, manufactures, and markets
immunoassays for the detection of GMO’s, mycotoxins, plant
pathogens, algal toxins, molds, and pesticides. The Company
encourages inquiries about Custom Assay Development for both
immunoassay and DNA platforms. |
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