Multiplexed Biothreat Detection with Fieldable Mass Spectrometry

Protection of the US Homeland from disease causing and deadly biological threats requires the ability to rapidly identify aerosolized materials that can include a wide range of biological components alone, and in mixtures. Our proposed sensor technology for this multiplexed identification tool is a modification of our existing aerosol-sampling bioidentifier. The proposed system collects bioaerosol particles and uses laser-based, time-of-flight mass spectrometry to determine the masses of the biomolecules (proteins, peptide, lipids, carbohydrates) across a wide mass range (100-100,000 Daltons).Current versions of this sensor have been focused on identification of single individual threat agents in a series of complex backgrounds, The work proposed here seeks to greatly enhance the mass spectral resolution such that complex mixtures can be more readily deconvoluted and identified. Initial modeling and simulation studies have been conducted that predict that modification of the mass spectrometer analytical engine can result in more that an order of magnitude enhancement of spectral resolution. This will enable the system to identify the individual threat materials in mixtures of five or more components. The development of such a system will support protective systems against biothreats for government uses and in the commercial sector at commercial buildings, entertainment venues, shopping centers and transportation systems.