Improved Kit for Chemical Detection

Agentase has previously demonstrated that its technologies for enzyme polymerization can be used to detect nerve agent chemical weapons. That successful endeavor has resulted in a fielded product that is used by DoD, the US intelligence community, and emergency first responders. User feedback, while positive, suggests that an expansion of the sensor's detection capabilities beyond nerve agents would greatly improve upon the product's utility. The completed Phase I STTR effort clearly shows that Agentase's enzyme-based chemical detection technology can be used to detect not only nerve agents, but also blood agents, blister agents, and a variety of toxic industrial chemicals. Each of these chemistries has been adapted into a simple pen-like construct for inclusion within a kit of sensors for hazardous chemicals. The proposed Phase II effort is directed at developing individual pen-like sensors that detect target chemicals at concentration below levels that represent an immediate danger to life and health. Sensors will be extremely easy to use by an untrained user, respond to contamination within seconds, and be highly resistant to potential forms of chemical and environmental interference that can be problematic for conventional detection equipment.