THOROFARE, N.J., June 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Akers Biosciences, Inc. is pleased to announce today that it has developed and introduced the Biosniffer(TM), a continuous monitoring detector designed to provide real- time information on the airborne release of biowarfare agents. Each system is designed to provide visual, auditory and electronic warning signals to indicate that a biowarfare agent release event has occurred.
The Biosniffer system consists of two components: a compact, portable electronic sniffing and detection device; and a disposable reaction cartridge containing liquid reagents that react in the presence of certain bioagents.
The Biosniffer electronic detector continuously samples air and bubbles the air sample through the reaction cartridge, thereby exposing the reagents in the cartridge to the air sample. The reagents in the cartridge are designed to measure the metabolic activity of certain airborne bacteria. During a biowarfare agent release event, the bacterial content in the reagents will increase as the air is sampled into the reagents. This increased level of bacteria will result in increased rate of bacterial metabolism. The Biosniffer will then interpret the change in the rate of metabolism as a biowarfare agent release event, and send warnings through visual, auditory, and electronic output systems.
The Biosniffer detector is approximately the size of a video camcorder, and weighs one pound. The reaction cartridge consists of pre-formulated reagents and connection tubing packaged in a unitized, ruggedized format. Connection of the cartridge to the Biosniffer device is as simple as inserting the cartridge into the machine, and making two simple tubing connections. Reaction cartridges are currently available for continuous monitoring of a broad spectrum of biowarfare agents, and a second cartridge for Bacillus anthracis (anthrax) specifically. Additional reagents are under development for other specific agents.
The Company plans to market this system to the military and government markets through Kuchera Defense Systems (“Kuchera”, http://www.kuchera.com/ ), of Windber, Pa., USA, and is currently producing an initial supply of product for its partner. Kuchera has earned a reputation in the defense industry for its world class military system manufacturing operations, high reliability products, and excellent engineering services. On today’s digital battlefield, Kuchera’s products and services give warfighters a distinct advantage. Kuchera’s technologies include electronic assemblies for laser-guided munitions, the eyesafe laser rangefinder, and dependable radar components for airborne surveillance and reconnaissance systems.
Dr. Ray Akers, CEO of Akers Biosciences said, “Much of the world now lives under the threat of bioterrorism, and we at Akers Biosciences are proud to contribute in some small way a means of mitigating that threat. We are very excited about the possible impact that the Biosniffer can have on both military and civilian sectors. In addition, we look forward to working with Kuchera Defense Systems to commercialize these products to both the military and government.”
William Kuchera, CEO of Kuchera Defense Systems, said, “We are pleased to be working with Akers Biosciences on the cutting edge Biosniffer detection technology introduced today. We have searched for an airborne biowarfare agent detector for quite some time, and have found a unique device in the Biosniffer that can be deployed in both mobile and stationary systems.”
Akers Biosciences, Inc. develops, manufactures, and supplies rapid, point of care screening and testing products designed to bring healthcare information both rapidly and directly to the patient or healthcare provider. The Company has advanced the science of diagnostics while responding to major shifts in healthcare through the development of several proprietary platform technologies. The company’s state-of-the-art rapid diagnostic assays can be performed virtually anywhere in minutes when time is of the essence. Akers has aligned with major healthcare companies and high volume medical products distributors to maximize product offerings, and to be a major worldwide competitor in diagnostics. Additional information on the Company and its products can be found at http://www.akersbiosciences.com/ .
Enquiries: Dr Ray Akers Chief Executive Officer, Akers Biosciences Inc. 856 848 8698 Paul Freedman Chief Financial Officer, Akers Biosciences Inc. 856 848 8698 Bill Roberts CTC, Inc. 937 434 2700Akers Biosciences, Inc.
CONTACT: Dr Ray Akers, Chief Executive Officer, or Paul Freedman, ChiefFinancial Officer of Akers Biosciences Inc., +1-856-848-8698; or Bill Robertsof CTC, Inc., +1-937-434-2700
Web site: http://www.akersbiosciences.com/
