| Dr. Michael Connolly, CEO and founder of Integrated Nano-Technologies (INT), will serve on a panel with representatives from leading defense contractors and the US military discussing “Nanotechnology and Defense,” the role of nanotechnology in military applications, at the third annual NanoBusiness conference, May 17-19, 2004 at the Marriott Financial Center Hotel in New York City. The NanoBusiness conference showcases advances in nanotechnology and brings together investors, engineers, and business leaders to discuss imminent product developments and long range plans. INT’s core technology, integrates DNA and microelectronics to develop advanced, nano-scale, bio-electronic innovations that solve some of the greatest challenges in biosecurity, clinical diagnostics and other fields. INT’s technology platform, called BioDetect, is fully automated, portable, non-PCR nucleic acid identification system that can accurately detect the presence of biological agents such as anthrax, plague, and smallpox in as little as 20 minutes. Defense agencies are anxious to deploy detection and identification systems that operate at the level of sensitivity and accuracy that the BioDetect platform is capable of. Integrated Nano-Technologies’ core technology is a unique integration of molecular biology, chemistry and microelectronics which facilitates the development of technically advanced detection systems and other devices. Biological agent identification is based on the ability of DNA probes on a microchip to attract and bind to specific sequences in the DNA of a target organism. DNA is extracted from a sample and passed over a sensor, where it attaches to the organism-specific probes. The attached strands are metallised through a chemical process, producing a strong electrical signal for computer analysis. The BioDetect platform consists of an electronic analyzer and single-use, disposable test cards. Unlike other detection systems, BioDetect™ technology does not depend on polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and consequently does not share PCR’s problems with speed, stability and sensitivity. |