#United States #Huntsville #DARPA #Radiance Technologies #Louisiana Tech

Radiance Technologies and Louisiana Tech Join Forces for DARPA's Revolutionary Project

In an exciting development for the fields of defense and biotechnology, Radiance Technologies has secured a prime contract from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Microsystems Technology Office. This collaboration, in partnership with Louisiana Tech University, aims to foster groundbreaking advancements in biomanufacturing through the Microsystem Induced Catalytic Activity (MICA) program.

The MICA project represents a significant leap forward in our ability to control protein functions through innovative microsystem designs. As the project unfolds, the team will focus on creating systems that proficiently manage biomolecular catalysts, which could transform applications ranging from national security to medical therapies.

A key component of this initiative involves the development of the Adaptive Multi-Physics Engine for Reaction Engineering (AMPERE). This simulation platform uniquely merges machine learning with multi-scale physical modeling to elucidate how biological catalysts behave under various microscopic conditions. The result? Enhanced control not just over catalytic activities but also the construction of artificial cells.

Dr. Andrew Gardner, the principal investigator for the project, emphasized the importance of AMPERE, saying, "This program addresses a critical need to bridge molecular-scale biological control with scalable microsystem design. By enabling high-precision co-design of molecules and microsystems, we can significantly advance secure therapeutic options and resilient biomanufacturing approaches."

Adding to this, Louisiana Tech's contribution, particularly in its specialties in nanotechnology and computational biology, is crucial for the project's success. Dr. Tom Bishop, collaborating investigator from Louisiana Tech, highlighted the educational benefits this collaboration offers, not just to researchers but also to students. Such partnerships provide invaluable learning experiences, allowing students to gain hands-on involvement in cutting-edge projects that impact real-world challenges.

The MICA program is set to investigate innovative methods to manage chemical reactions by leveraging heat, electromagnetic fields, and fluid dynamics. This exploration aims to produce systems that finely tune chemical interactions at the molecular scale and are perfectly aligned with biological processes. In doing so, the project could pave the way for scalable technologies seamlessly integrated with existing microelectronics frameworks.

This initiative follows DARPA's previous Simulating Microbial Systems (SMS) program, which combined efforts from Radiance Technologies, Louisiana Tech, and LSU Health Shreveport to create predictive microbial behavior models at a single-cell level. Together, these two programs emphasize a burgeoning portfolio of bioengineering research and innovation that is unique to the north Louisiana region.

Bill Bailey, CEO of Radiance Technologies, expressed enthusiasm for the project’s potential, stating, "MICA and SMS represent a growing portfolio of bioengineering innovation and research excellence in north Louisiana. We are excited to contribute to national capabilities while bolstering the role of our region in the evolving biotechnology landscape."

About Radiance Technologies

Founded in 1999, Radiance Technologies is an employee-owned company dedicated to providing exceptional solutions in defense and intelligence sectors. The organization employs over 1,000 individual stakeholders across the U.S. to deliver specialized services in areas including cybersecurity, systems engineering, and operational intelligence. For further details, visit www.radiancetech.com.

About Louisiana Tech University

Established in 1894, Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, Louisiana, is known for its commitment to quality education and hands-on experiences for students. The university offers a broad range of programs supported by state-of-the-art facilities and emphasizes the importance of faculty mentorship. The focus on community engagement ensures that students not only excel academically but also contribute positively to society.

As innovation in biotechnology progresses, collaborations like that of Radiance Technologies and Louisiana Tech are vital for advancing knowledge and practical applications in this dynamic field.