Voltametric Ionic-Gel Interface for Lethal-agent detection (VIGIL)

Ombra, in collaboration with Purdue University, proposes the development of VIGIL (Voltammetric Ionic-Gel Interface for Lethal-agent detection), a novel, field-deployable electrochemical sensing platform for detecting aerosolized synthetic opioids and chemically similar agents. VIGIL addresses an urgent capability gap in chemical defense: the inability to detect ultrapotent opioid aerosols, such as fentanyl and carfentanil, in real time under operational conditions. The core innovation is a suspended ionic liquid (IL) film electrochemical cell that captures airborne analytes directly at the gas-liquid interface. This configuration enables voltammetric detection of fentanyl aerosols within seconds, producing a distinct oxidation peak at approximately +1.2 V. Laboratory validation has demonstrated signal responses at nanogram-per-cubic-meter concentrations with strong selectivity and reproducibility. To ensure operational compatibility, the IL-based sensing module will be integrated with a commercial multi-gas detector, such as the RAE Systems MultiRAE Pro, using an external housing that preserves all original device certifications. Embedded software and signal processing algorithms will extract redox signals from the electrochemical cell and translate them into Safe/Unsafe outputs via real-time classification. Machine learning models, including Linear Discriminant Analysis and Convolutional Neural Networks, will be trained using synthetic, archival, and new lab-generated voltammetric data to distinguish fentanyl signatures from background noise and interferents. Phase I activities will include benchtop electrochemical testing, housing design for modular integration, software architecture definition, and signal classification feasibility demonstration using embedded computing hardware. Results will support a Phase II prototype effort and transition plan for field deployment. The VIGIL platform provides a transformative path to rapid, ruggedized detection of airborne chemical threats relevant to defense, homeland security, and public safety applications.