PositiveID Corporation ("PositiveID"), a developer of molecular diagnostic systems for bio-threat detection, announced today that its M-BAND (Microfluidic-Bioagent Autonomous Networked Detector) system is well positioned to take part in the Department of Homeland Security's ("DHS") $3.1 billion BioWatch Gen-3 opportunity, expected to be released in the first half of 2012, and is the only system of its kind that was demonstrated in the field under the DHS Science and Technology ("S&T") BAND Program. PositiveID's patented M-BAND biodetector was developed under a competitive award from DHS S&T, and M-BAND was the only successful system to emerge from the BAND program.
M-BAND, protected by United States Patent No. 7,705,739 B2 for an Integrated Airborne Substance Collection and Detection System, was developed by PositiveID's Microfluidic Systems ("MFS") subsidiary under six years of funding from the federal government.
M-BAND is a bioaerosol monitor with fully integrated modular systems including sample collection, purification and detection modules. Each module is independently functional and adaptable. M-BAND runs autonomously for up to 30 days, continuously analyzing air samples for the detection of bacteria, viruses, and toxins with results in as little as three hours. Results from individual instruments are reported via a secure wireless network in real time to give an accurate and up to date status for fielded instruments in aggregate. Also as part of the BAND Program, PositiveID developed, validated and implemented its own biological assays for use on the M-BAND system and research laboratories.
The M-BAND instrument offers a number of advantages including decreased consumable and operating costs, a small footprint, a closed operating environment and significant flexibility of operation. M-BAND has been designed and field tested to operate continuously for 30 days unattended between scheduled services. It also operates using industry gold-standard TaqMan® PCR (polymerase chain reaction) chemistry.
William J. Caragol, Chairman and CEO of PositiveID, stated, "We believe M-BAND is the only system of its kind that has been successfully field tested indoors and outdoors, both domestically and internationally. We further believe that M-BAND has significant benefits that set this technology apart and put us in a strong position to participate with large partners in the $3.1 billion BioWatch opportunity."
About PositiveID Corporation
PositiveID Corporation develops unique medical devices and molecular diagnostic systems, focused primarily on diabetes management, rapid medical testing and airborne bio-threat detection. Its wholly-owned subsidiary, MFS, is focused on the development of microfluidic systems for automated preparation of and performance of biological assays.