Accession Number:

ADA505930

Title:

Development of a Portable DNA Sensor System

Descriptive Note:

Conference paper

Corporate Author:

ARMY RESEARCH LAB ADELPHI MD

Personal Author(s):

• Sumner, J. J.
• Freudenthal, P.
• Meinhart, C. D.
• Soh, H. T.
• Plaxco, K. W.

Report Date:

2008-12-01

Pagination or Media Count:

11.0

Abstract:

A fully-integrated, palmtop, field-portable DNA analyzer that is capable of responding within 30 minutes to a sample of as little as three strands of DNA will enhance the survivability of the warfighter. This technology has been sponsored through the Institute of Collaborative Biotechnologies and was lead by Nanex LLC with co-investigators from the US Army Research Laboratory and the University of California, Santa Barbara. This analyzer will not sacrifice selectivity or operational convenience. Reliable, high-speed detection of DNA will provide broad support in many Army missions. This project will transition findings and breakthroughs derived from UARC basic research programs to a device that can Detect to Protect by performing environmental sampling for biological threats. The analyzer will be able to monitor indigenous foods supplied to deployed troops by detecting inherent or intentional contaminants including native microorganisms, typical food-borne pathogens and biowarfare agents. As more is learned about physical changes during infection, it can Detect to Treat through use in medical diagnostics. Current technology informs soldiers when to take a protective posture against chemical threats. This sensor will provide an analogous technology for biological threats. The potential functionality, low cost, ruggedness, ease of use and portability of this analyzer will encourage broad deployment and use, greatly enhancing the safety of troops in times of peace and at war.

Descriptors:

• *ARMY OPERATIONS
• *PORTABLE EQUIPMENT
• *ARMY PERSONNEL
• *DEOXYRIBONUCLEIC ACIDS
• *ELECTROCHEMISTRY
• PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
• DIAGNOSIS(MEDICINE)
• ELECTRODES
• SAFETY
• BIOLOGICAL WARFARE
• RESEARCH MANAGEMENT
• INFECTIOUS DISEASES
• FOOD
• RUGGEDIZED EQUIPMENT
• FIELD EQUIPMENT
• PATHOGENIC MICROORGANISMS
• NUCLEIC ACIDS
• THREATS
• SURVIVABILITY
• ARMY RESEARCH
• DEPLOYMENT
• MICROORGANISMS
• MILITARY PERSONNEL

Subject Categories:

• Personnel Management and Labor Relations
• Biochemistry
• Military Forces and Organizations

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE