Small, Low-Cost CRPA for fast Jammer Suppression

DoD personnel and domestic first responders have an immediate and pressing need for a lightweight, man-portable system for rapid detection and quantification of CBW agents in the environment. The MesoSystems/Micronics/UW/SRI team combines the followingkey capabilities to create a unique opportunity for revolutionary advancement of miniaturized biodetection systems:¿ MesoSystems Technology, Inc.: BW sampling, concentration and systems engineering and experience specific to BW detection and decontamination systems.¿ Micronics, Inc.: Low-cost fabrication of microfluidic cartridges and components, and specific experience in the design and fabrication of microfluidic components for optical detection and flow cytometry¿ University of Washington (UW): A deep reservoir of state-of-the-art research capabilities for microfabrication and components development, and specific experience in BW microfluidics-based microbe isolation and concentration, and isolation ofand nucleic acids.¿ SRI International (SRI): Upconverting phosphor to be used in conjunction with the flow cytometer to detect biological materials.By incorporating new techniques from the field of microfluidics, combined with proven analytical methods such as upconverting phosphors combined with immunoassays and flow cytometry, this team will radically reduce the size of a precise analyticalinstrument to the point where it can easily be transported by one person and used/worn individually or in a defensive network linked by telemetry. BW agents will be retained in the device for subsequent DNA fingerprinting.