Fast, easy, reliable first responder bioterrorism detection system

The proposed research is to determine feasibility of developing a stable, simple, rapid method of detecting the nucleic acid (NA) from bioterrorism agents. This method would be based on Investigen?s novel and elegant ?smartDNA? technology. This system utilizes a peptide nucleic acid probe cocktail to produce a rapid color change when probes hybridize to complementary NA sequences. Phase 1 will: 1) demonstrate detection of multiple agents; 2) develop collection hardware and consumables; 3) develop processing hardware and consumables, 4) develop detection hardware and consumables, and 5) validate system performance. With this validation of the feasibility of developing a smartDNA first responder bioterrorism agent detection system, we would develop the system to detect category A bioterrorism agents. The intention is to create a commercial diagnostic assay to detect bioterrorism agents that is so simple and stable that one could be in every locality. Such a test could be used in peripheral locations away from a central lab. This would help response to and may even deter bioterrorism attacks. smartDNA is uniquely suited to situations where there is not easy access to a central lab and a NA test is ideal. These include disease assessment in public health settings and agriculture.