Abstract
| Grant Number: | 1R43HD053169-01 |
| Project Title: | A Non-Invasive Test for Predicting the Fertility Window |
Abstract:
DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The objective of this research is to develop a non-invasive test strip for the prediction of a women's fertility window. This test will be based on the semi-quantitative colorimetric determination of salivary divalent cations. The test will be simple-to-use, inexpensive, provide the accuracy of costly instruments and can be used in the in the clinic or home setting. PortaScience has investigated changes in concentrations of salivary electrolytes during a female's fertile period and determined that there is a translocation of divalent cations (specifically Mg++ and Ca++) away from the salivary glands. This translocation of cations occurs during a female's fertile period, three to four days prior to ovulation. This drop in concentration of cations can be used as an effective biomarker to predict a women's fertility period. The specific aims of this investigation are: Aim 1: Select a dye substrate that provides the sensitivity to detect 250 uM Mg++/Ca++; Aim 2: Identify stabilizers and membrane material for protecting the dye substrates; and Aim 3: Build and evaluate the performance of test strips and define specifications for performance. The potential US market for fertility monitoring is 500 million dollars.
Thesaurus Terms:
diagnosis design /evaluation, divalent cation, dye, fertility, ionophore, noninvasive diagnosis, ovulation detection /prediction, saliva, technology /technique development
artificial membrane, biomarker, cost effectiveness, ovulation time, polymer
clinical research, colorimetry, female, human subject, urinalysis
| Institution: | PORTASCIENCE, INC. |
| 337 TOM BROWN RD |
| MOORESTOWN, NJ 08057 |
| Fiscal Year: | 2006 |
| Department: | |
| Project Start: | 01-MAY-2006 |
| Project End: | 31-OCT-2007 |
| ICD: | NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF CHILD HEALTH AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT |
| IRG: | ZRG1 |
|
