Miniaturized Sample Preparation Module

"The detection of biological materials used by terrorists and in warfare has become a high priority throughout the world. Thus, the need for rapid microbiological monitoring of water, air, surfaces, and food for the military has accelerated development offaster diagnostic technologies. Recent advances in detection methods based on PCR amplification of the genetic material, antigen and antibody pairs, and direct mass spectrometry of biological samples promise more rapid identification of pathogens ofmilitary significance. To advance the laboratory prototypes toward field-ready prototypes, integration, portability and contamination issues must be addressed. For example, the collection and replication of nucleic acids by PCR requires that the sample becleaned prior to detection. The goals of this project include development of sophisticated sample preconditioning subsystems for the isolation and pretreatment of DNA samples. Another substantial goal is the non-trivial fluidic interconnection of anaerosol collector to the sample preconditioning unit, providing a fast and seamless means of collecting bioparticules and preparing a sample for PCR. Together, the attainment of these goals will create an integrated system allowing the most accurate rapiddetection available."