Improved Field Biosensor for Organophosphates

Semorex has carried out a successful Phase I project which demonstrates the potential of Molecularly Imprinted Polymer (MIP) technology to solve the critical problem of improving organophosphate (OP) detection. MIPs, plastic polymers with specificmolecular binding sites molded into them, combine the selectivity of antibodies with the robustness of polymers.Prior to and as part of Phase I, Semorex has designed and prepared MIPs capable of covalently binding and neutralizing OP-model compounds. These MIPs displayed: 1) affinity binding constants similar to antibodies; 2) thermal stability unimaginable inbiological systems; 3) agent selectivity; 4) rapid binding at low concentrations; 5) no leakage of receptor sites; and 6) suitability for sensor application. Indeed, during Phase I Semorex met or exceeded all project goals and clearly demonstrated thefeasibility of preparing MIPs that effectively bind and selectively detect OP nerve agent analogs in air and water. We also demonstrated that MIPs could be incorporated as rapid, selective detection components of sensor systems.The major objectives of the continuation (