Agile robot-based rapid detection of hazardous chemical and biological agents

This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project involves the development of an agile robot-based comprehensive sensor system by the synergistic combination of a novel sensor/preconcentrator technology, a microelectrochemical immunoassay sensor array and a rugged, field-tested robotic platform. Seacoast Science will work at the interface of material science and mechanical engineering to develop selectively absorbent materials that will concentrate selected analytes onto a preconcentrator. The compound(s) will then be desorbed into the inlet of the sensor system. We propose to study 7 explosive related compounds or and 3 chemical warfare agent simulants. The proposed micoelectrochemical immnoassay array has already demonstrated impressive sensitivity against one class of biological warfare agent (~9 ng/ml) will be confirmed and optimized during phase one. Both systems will be integrated onto a currently fielded robotic platform. The final field-deployable system will utilize a pattern recognition algorithm that will minimize false readings and will enable identification of CWAs, BWAs, and IEDs thus improving the safety of medical personnel in theater.