Novel Delivery Systems for Threat Detection

Some biological compounds will fluoresce when interrogated by an ultraviolet source. A specific and unique porphyrin-based chromophore (PBC) is excited at a wavelength of 355 nm and fluoresces at a visible wavelength of 610 nm. The reflected wavelength can be readily observed using standard Night Vision Goggles. Although the PBC putty is inherently unstable, preliminary processes have been developed during a SBIR Phase I program. The successful research allows the technology to be potentially utilized for various military and commercial security applications. During the Phase II program, a functional primary delivery system will be developed and demonstrated. The delivery system configuration will be specifically designed for utilization in military perimeter security applications. A secondary delivery system will also be preliminarily developed for battlefield dissemination of the PBC-based technology.