CW Agent FRET-Aptamer Spray & Compact Scanner

Operational Technologies Corporation (OpTech) will develop and demonstrate a cocktail of several Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET)-DNA aptamer sequences of different analyte specificity in a single spray during Phase I for low-level detection of low-volatility chemical warfare (CW) agent simulants on surfaces and equipment. The fluorophore and quencher will be incorporated into a single DNA chain aptamer structure so that fluorescent light will be emitted ("lights on") or quenched ("lights off") only if the specific CW simulant binds to the FRET-aptamer. In Phase II, OpTech will clone and sequence the CW agent aptamers, and develop a compact surface scanner in conjunction with its subcontractor (Taboada Research Instruments). Upon completion of Phase II, OpTech will deliver the integrated fluorometric scanner and FRET-aptamer spray system to DARPA for further testing and validation.