Accession Number:

ADA331259

Title:

Rapid Identification of Airborne Biological Particles by Flow Cytometry, Gas Chromatography, and Genetic Probes.

Descriptive Note:

Final rept. Jan 95-Jan 97,

Corporate Author:

EDGEWOOD RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT AND ENGINEERING CENTER ABERDEEN PROVING GROUNDMD

Personal Author(s):

• Wick, Charles H.
• Carlon, Hugh R.
• Edmonds, Robert L.
• Robert, L.
• Blew, Judy

Report Date:

1997-09-01

Pagination or Media Count:

43.0

Abstract:

Detection of airborne biological particulates is a primary mission of the U.S. Army Edgewood Research, Development and Engineering Center biological defense program. If biological particles could be characterized according to their unique physical and biochemical profiles, detection and perhaps even identification of the particles might be possible. This study focused upon microbial particles, more specifically upon fungal spores, yeast cells, and bacterial cells. Physical characteristics of the particles, it was proposed, could be detected by flow cytometry, while their biochemical profiles could be determined by gas chromatography, and their genetic identity could be obtained by either a suitable genetic probe or by matching its genetic fingerprint. Genetic techniques were not attempted in the work reported here, but the approach was investigated further. Trial results were encouraging.

Descriptors:

• *GENETICS
• *GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY
• PROBES
• DETECTION
• BIOLOGY
• PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
• BACTERIA
• CELLS
• BIOCHEMISTRY
• AIRBORNE
• SPORES
• IDENTIFICATION
• PARTICLES
• PROFILES
• MISSIONS
• FUNGI
• PARTICULATES
• YEASTS
• PHYSICAL FITNESS
• FLOW
• BLOOD COUNTS
• MICROORGANISMS
• FINGERPRINTS

Subject Categories:

• Genetic Engineering and Molecular Biology
• Medicine and Medical Research
• Physical Chemistry

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE