A Chip-Scale Sensor for High-Throughput Detection of Multiple Waterborne Pathogens

The overall goal of this proposed program (through Phase III) is to develop a chip-scale assay that can detect, identify, and quantify the presence of Category A (or B) bioagents in water at the required sensitivity (e.g. 8000 B. anthracis spores or 50µg of ricin per liter water) within 10 minutes. During the Phase I program feasibility was demonstrated by successfully detecting the capture of less than 10 Bacillus anthracis-Sterne (BAS) spores in under 15 minutes by surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). During the Phase II program, a prototype Portable Bioagent Water Analyzer capable of detecting as many as 10 different bioagents in water within 10 minutes at the required sensitivity and specificity. Actual Category A bioagents will be measured at the US Army"s Edgwood Chem Bio Center for component testing in Phase II and prototype testing in Phase III to bring the prototype to a technology transition level of 6.