In Field Detection of Biologicals in Human Whole Blood Serum, Saliva and Urine Using PAN Coated Quartz Crystals

Universal Sensors, Inc., proposes to create piezoelectric biosensors for the detection of either antigen or antibody in human whole blood, serum, saliva or urine. These sensors will be based on capture immunoassay techniques which will show specific binding of the followeing: 1) ricin onto anti-ricin antibody coated biosensors and 2) anti-ricin antibody binding to ricin coated biosensors. Due to the specificity of the immunoreaction, little or no interaction is expected with non-related antigens or antibodies. Using a unique biosensor polymer foam coating, polyacrylonitrile (PAN), which increases the immunoreaction surface area, these reactions will be monitored, in real-time, using a piezoelectric quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) detector (PZ 1000) and a liquid flow cell. QCM detection methods have the advantage over other types of biosensors as they do not require a label for signal generation or lengthy repeated incubations. The created biosensors will rival surface plasmon resonance (SPR) devices indetection limits, but will be easy to operate, and not require SPR's expensive instrumentation and intesive user training. Anticipated Military Benefits/Potential Commercial Applications of the Research or Development: Rapid detection of ricin or anti-ricin antibody will allow quick determination of recent or past exposure to biological toxins. These QCM detection methods will benefit both the military and civilians as well as the final device will be easy to operate and can perform detections in-field.