New DNA/RNA Sequencer for Rapid Assessment of Exposure to Infectious Agents

The threat of terrorist or military attack using biological or chemical warfare agents is one of the largest concerns to U.S. military forces. Development of defense initiatives that can be implemented to decontaminate personnel, equipment and buildingsare required to counter the effects of such an attack. A series of dendrimer-quaternary ammonium compound (QAC) biocides have been identified that demonstrate potent antimicrobial activity against bacteria. These materials are more than 100 times moreeffective at killing E.coli than a comparable amount of free QAC. It is anticipated that these materials will be able to decontaminate chemical agents also.The goal of the proposed work is to develop these biocides for military defense applications. Materials will be synthesized, characterized and tested for antimicrobial activity. Optionally, we will explore the efficiency of these materials against chemicalagents. We expect these materials to be effective against warfare agents, but non-destructive to equipment, electronics etc. These materials can be applied as a powder, in solution, or immobilized onto polymers, enhancing utility in pre-event installationmeasures as well as post-event decontamination.Successful development of these materials would provide a broad spectrum agent for the neutralization and decontamination of biological and chemical warfare agents. These agents could be used both to protect personnel and installations in the event ofexposure, and as decontamination agents during clean-up. These materials are not expected to cause severe damage to materials of construction of buildings, equipment etc. The ability to use these materials in a number of forms will allow their use as airfilters, solutions, aerosols, garments, ointments, water purification etc. More broadly, compounds and materials displaying biocidal activity will have commercial applicability to private sectors where prevention of biofilms is desired, includinghealthcare,. Polymers containing these biocidal agents will have utility wherever prevention of bacterial adhesion and colonization is required, e.g. protective clothing, food preparation areas, medical devices, air filtration systems, waterlines, etc.