Posted on 02/18/2011 11:38:41 PM PST by neverdem
Scientists in the US have made a system that rapidly detects both explosives and nerve agents, providing a simple yes-no response. The technique could replace two time-consuming tests that are currently used to assess these threats.
Joseph Wang and colleagues from the University of California, San Diego, combined their expertise in threat detection and electrochemical biosensors with the biocomputing experience of Evgeny Katz from Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY. The team produced an enzyme-based logic gate with the ability to simultaneously detect both nitroaromatic explosives and organophosphate nerve agents.
The team fed 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) and the nerve agent paraoxon into the system, in which a series of reactions catalysed by four enzymes takes place. The products of these reactions deplete hydrogen peroxide, which is used to indicate the presence of one or both threats. H2O2 levels exceeding a selected threshold indicate 'safe' situations, while levels below the threshold value signify a 'hazardous' situation.
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The explosives and nerve gases are fed through an enzyme-based logic gate system, in which the depletion of hydrogen peroxide detects their presence
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Escalating threats of terrorist activity have led to urgent demands for innovative devices to provide on-site detection of chemical and biological agents, as well as explosive materials. The pressure is therefore on scientists to develop faster, more reliable and portable sensing technology to detect as many threats as possible and to alert the operator when a hazard has been encountered.
'The ability to simultaneously measure different types of threats holds considerable promise for diverse security screening and surveillance applications,' says Wang. 'The new system is still at an early stage, but the goal is to provide an early and rapid warning for a potential threat and to follow this with identification of the specific hazard.'
'This study shows that the interface of biology and computing delivers a new class of simple, low cost and reliable analytical devices,' says Lars Angenent, an expert in bioelectrochemical systems at Cornell University in the US. 'This is exciting innovative work and I'm looking forward to seeing other important applications for this technology,' he concludes.
High-fidelity determination of security threats via a Boolean biocatalytic cascade
Min-Chieh Chuang, Joshua Ray Windmiller, Padmanabhan Santhosh, Gabriela Valdés Ramírez, Evgeny Katz and Joseph Wang, Chem. Commun., 2011
DOI: 10.1039/c0cc05716a
So jellyfish on the plane is a thing of the past? Now what??
Seems like a good idea but there are trace elements of almost anything on our clothing, stuff we buy and money.
How will they discern those things?
Only jellyfish less than 4 fluid oz will now be allowed through TSA checkpoints, provided they can be shown to fluoresce after being turned on. /s
I’m trying to get a copy of this paper but RSC won’t let me register for some reason. Could you possibly post it or email it to me? Thx.
Ecuadorean Villagers May Hold Secret to Longevity
Fountain of youth from the tap (environmental lithium)
Anti-aging hormone Klotho may prevent complications (from chronic kidney disease)
FReepmail me if you want on or off my health and science ping list.
I tried too, but no luck. Ask a librarian?
“Only jellyfish less than 4 fluid oz”
Ummm... I believe it’s 3 fluid oz. Surely you don’t think TSA would jeopardize our security by setting such a flabby standard!
How will they discern those things?
This is just a screening technology. A positive reaction consumes hydrogen peroxide and requires further evaluation, i.e. complete inspection and explanation.
Well, I sure hope you won’t walk around with just a trace of nerve agent anywhere near you.
I’ve got a lot of nerve, so we’ll see.... LOL
BFLR
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