Biofilm Capture of Chemical and Biological Warfare Agents

"The potential use of biological and chemical warfare agents presents a threat to both military and civilian communities. The properties of biofilms can be exploited to improve the detection of these agents. Biofilms consist of microorganisms growing on asurface and enmeshed in a polymer matrix. Observation of biofilms in a variety of environments indicate they have a natural ability to capture a wide range of organic and inorganic substances from their surroundings. This property allows biofilms toconcentrate trace quantities of hazardous substances, which can be used to improve techniques for the detection of chemical or biological warfare agents in the environment. Additionally, retention of these captured substances by biofilms may allow users toattribute a contamination event to its source. Improved methods for the detection and removal of toxic contaminants from the environment will increase the safety of military personnel and civilian populations."