Raman Anthrax and Biothreat Detection System (RADS)

Since the anthrax attacks of September-October 2001, the United States has developed and deployed several biothreat detection systems (most notably at various postal service locations). The most accurate systems utilize PCR technology and are therefore bulky, cannot be easily miniaturized, and generally are not suitable for detection in more remote locations. Smaller systems, such as those based on the detection of spores via standard Raman spectroscopy or by use of immunoassays result in an unacceptable high proportion of falsely positive signals, thereby limiting their utility. Here, we propose a highly specific bioterror threat agent detection system using ultraviolet light emitting diodes (UV LED) in a Raman spectrometer, combined with a 2D correlation analytic technique. In Phase I, we will validate our methods with experimental results collected using a breadboard instrument on an accepted anthrax simulant. We will demonstrate that our methods improve the detection sensitivity by 100,000-fold compared to the current approach for point-of-care detection. In Phase II, we will implement our technique in a compact point-of-care instrument ready for CONUS testing at an Army facility.