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EnviroLogix Announces Receipt of DNA Development Award

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 GMOs, mycotoxins, plant pathogens, algal toxins, molds, and pesticides. The Company encourages inquiries about Custom Assay Development for both immunoassay and DNA platforms.