BioForce Nanosciences Inc, the leading developer of nanoarray biomolecular analysis systems, has been awarded a Phase II SBIR/NIH grant for the construction and validation of the NanoArrayer instrumentation.

The Small Business Innovative Research grant, for approximately $500,000, will be used to develop the NanoArrayer molecular deposition tool for creating proprietary, ultra-miniaturized nanoarrays. The NanoArrayer embodies proprietary instrumentation and methodology for creating a broad spectrum of ultra-sensitive, ultra-miniaturized NanoArray-based biological tests. The NanoArrayer places thousands of molecules at defined locations on a surface with nanometer spatial resolution; all in the area occupied by a single microarray spot. The arrays of molecules are unique to BioForce and can only be created with a NanoArrayer.

The company founder and Chief Science Officer Eric Henderson, states, "The NanoArrayer will provide the end user with a turn key system for the construction of simple to complex biomolecular NanoArrays. The fully integrated hardware and software permits creation of novel patterns and opens the door to a wide range of applications."

BioForce NanoArrays can be used for protein and drug discovery research, quality control of biopharmaceutical manufacturing, blood screening, water and environmental monitoring, and detection of pathogenic material. The tremendous reduction in assay size evident in NanoArrays creates opportunities for novel applications and implementation of ultrasensitive, label-free and PCR-less readout methods such as Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). The innovative attributes of the NanoArrayer will create unprecedented opportunities and applications for the life science industry and beyond.