Color-Indicating Anti-Biological Warfare Agent Coatings

A multi-functional system for use on walls and ceilings is to be developed. The system employs shortened, end-modified single-wall carbon nanotubes as vesicles for potent fullerene-based biocides that incorporate a colored dye, pigment or fluorescent indicator function. The system is to be applied to wall surfaces, and remain dormant until a biological threat comes in contact with the surface. For purposes of the Phase I endeavor, models that mimic common biological warfare agents (BWA) will be used to test the system. Monoclonal antibodies, quaternary amine groups or other moieties on the modified nanotube vesicles will under specific interactions with the BWA mimics, opening the nanotube and exposing the biocide and color agent inside. Upon completion of the decontamination phase of operation, the color agent is designed to decompose, indicating the end of the threat. It is also planned that different colors will be generated in response to different classes of BWA. Incorporation of the system into appropriate polymer-based coatings will allow the application to many common surfaces. The strength of the project rests on the collaboration of Materials and Electrochemical Research (MER) Corporation, with extensive nanotechnology experience and Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute (LRRI), which is highly respected for its biological testing expertise and facilities.