SBIR Phase II: Anthrax Detector for Mail Sorting Systems

这个小企业创新研究第二阶段项目将开发两个原型炭疽检测系统，用于筛选进入邮政设施的邮件和/或识别并阻止通过分拣机的含有炭疽的邮件的分发。这些系统将能够检测到从含有低至100微克的信件中捕获的2微克孢子，以及污染表面上的类似浓度。第一阶段项目通过成功开发真空/过滤收集系统证明了可行性，该系统从通过邮件分拣机的信封中捕获蜡样芽孢杆菌孢子，并通过拉曼光谱检测。在1064 nm的激发下，在9秒内测量了大约23微克蜡样芽孢杆菌孢子，估计在10秒内检测到10微克或100万个孢子。二期项目将完成炭疽检测系统的设计，提高灵敏度和选择性。这个项目更广泛的影响将是对整个美国的邮件处理和投递的安全和保障。

0349687Farquharson This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will develop two prototype anthrax detector systems designed to screen mail entering a postal facility and/or to identify and to stop distribution of anthrax containing mail as it passes through a sorter. These systems will be able to detect 2 micrograms of spores captured from a letter containing as little as 100 micrograms, as well as similar concentrations on contaminated surfaces. The Phase I project demonstrated feasibility by successfully developing a vacuum/filter collection system that captured Bacillus cereus spores from an envelope passing through a mail sorter, which were detected by Raman spectroscopy. Some 23 micrograms of B. cereus spores were measured in 9 seconds using 1064 nm excitation, with an estimated limit of detection of 10 micrograms or 1 million spores in 10 seconds. The Phase II project will complete the design of the anthrax detector system, with improved sensitivity nd selectivity. The broader impact of this project will be on the safety and security of mail handling and delivery across the United States.