SBIR Phase I: Continuously Operating Sensor for Detection of Nerve Agent Contamination in Aqueous Solutions

这个小型企业创新研究(SBIR)第一阶段项目旨在展示连续工作的传感器在检测水溶液中神经毒剂污染方面的效用。一次性使用的表面传感技术将适用于在线、实时传感器格式，用于检测微量神经毒剂污染。该单元将是小型的，独立的，廉价的，并与其他传感器结构兼容。传感机制将基于使用两个相互动态平衡的酶反应。当其中一种酶(胆碱酯酶)被抑制时，这种平衡就会被破坏，导致PH值的急剧变化。这种酸碱度的变化可以通过电子方式测量，也可以通过颜色指示器可视化。该传感器有望在使用简单、抗干扰性、与表面、液体和气体的广泛兼容性以及低成本方面优于任何传统的神经毒剂检测技术。该项目的商业应用将在国土防务领域。在发生化学战攻击时，迫切需要预警和持续监测设备。

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to demonstrate the utility of a continuously operating sensor for detection of nerve agent contamination in aqueous solutions. Single-use surface-sensing technology will be adapted to an on-line, real-time sensor format for detection of trace amounts of nerve agent contamination. The unit will be small, self-contained, inexpensive, and compatible with other sensor constructs. The sensing mechanism will be based on using two enzyme reactions in dynamic equilibrium with each other. The equilibrium is disrupted when one of the enzymes (cholinesterase) is inhibited, resulting in a dramatic pH change. This pH change can be measured electronically or visualized by color indicators. The sensor is expected to outperform any conventional technology for nerve agent detection in its simplicity of use, interference resistance, broad-based compatibility with surfaces, liquids, and gases, and low cost. The commercial application of this project will be in the area of homeland defense. Early warning and continuous monitoring devices are of urgent need in the event of a chemical warfare attack.