Autonomous, Unattended, Reagentless Biological Agent Detector

The goal of this project is to investigate the feasability of a unique sampling method that will lead to the development of a reagentless infrared (IR) based BW agent detection system. The current JPBDS uses lateral flow immunoassay technology as the final step in detecting bioagents, and has a detection limit of 10^5 spores/ml[ref 1]. Preliminary data from our infrared approach indicates a minimum detection limit of 1-2 orders in magnitude lower than these hand held assays. In collaboration with the JSAWM program, we are developing an IR spectroscopic method for chemical agent detection. Clearly there is an attraction for using the same platform for chemical and biological agent detection. The challenge for realization of an IR based bio-detection system is to develop the sampling methodology that will enable concentration of aerosol and water based BW agents in order to achieve the high sensitivity and speed of response.