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. 400 B. anthracis spores or 15 µg of ricin per liter water) within 10 minutes. During the Phase I program feasibility will be demonstrated by 1) functionalizing silver particles to specifically bind B. anthracis-Sterne and 2) detecting the capture event by surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). During the Phase II program, a prototype will be designed built and tested, with superior weight, size and power in mind for integration into military equipment during the transition phase. The initial part of the Phase III transition phase will involve validation tests of Category A pathogens at the US Army’s Edgwood Chem Bio Center to bring the prototype to a technology transition level of 6.