Integrated Expression and Process Monitoring System for Biomanufacturing

The Chemical and Biological Defense (CBD) Agency needs a coating for MCU-2/P and MBU-19/P facemasks that provides 24 hours of protection against such chemical warfare agents as GD, HD, and VX. Such a barrier material is expected also to provide protectionagainst many toxic industrial materials. The MCU-2/P and MBU-19/P masks are made from silicone rubber EPDM rubber, respectively. Both rubbers are flexible, so the desired barrier coating must exhibit comparable flexibility. The coating also must adhereto the mask while it is subjected to flexing and stretching over a range of temperatures between -48 and 49 oC. METSS proposes to develop at least one polymer-based coating that will provide the desired level of performance and protection for each mask.The approach is to identify candidate polymers from the general classes of barrier polymers discussed in the proposal, and to experimentally verify the performance of one or more barrier polymers or polymer composites that meet(s) the requirements set bythe CBD Agency. METSS plans to use its extensive knowledge in CWA resistant materials to select and examine the performance of pure polymer coatings as well as polymers whose barrier performance has been enhanced by the addition of exfoliated nano-scaleplatelets.The benefits of improving the protective capabilities of the rubbers currently used in making facemasks will be considerable. Chemical warfare is insidious and deadly. All efforts to protect soldiers and civilians in targeted areas will resultin the saving of lives and reduction in long-term, detrimental health effects. In addition, there are numerous commercial and industrial applications related to working with toxic chemicals where improved protective equipment can increase worker safetyand health. Emergency response personnel also will benefit from improved personal protective equipment. The chemically resistant barrier materials developed in this program may even find use in the growing area of biological protective equipment. METSShas identified a potential commercial partner and a manufacturer of facemasks to assist in the commercialization of innovative coatings that are developed in this SBIR program