Biocatalytic air monitor for detection of nerve agents

描述(由申请人提供)：Agentase寻求第一阶段SBIR资金，以使其一次性使用的表面传感技术适应在线、实时传感器格式，用于检测空气中微量的神经毒剂污染。建议的单元将是小型的、坚固的、独立的、廉价的，并与其他传感器结构兼容。我们实验室以前的工作表明，该装置将具有良好的灵敏度，对污染的快速反应，以及在检测污染方面的高准确性和可靠性。这一第一阶段提案的努力旨在开发和建造在野外环境中具有实用价值的传感器原型。美国和欧洲e2B内的许多测试表明，Agentase单点技术在检测神经毒剂方面非常成功，操作测试表明，这种新的传感技术非常适合并被军事和国土安全界的潜在最终用户接受。这种基于酶的生物传感器能够检测表面、溶液和空气中的神经毒剂。传感器技术利用酶的pH依赖的催化活性来实现动态的pH平衡，并在神经毒剂存在的情况下通过将颜色从黄色变为红色来提供积极的信号。根据定义，酶对神经毒剂具有高度特异性，并优于任何其他常规检测机制。Agentase试图利用其技术和专业知识，将其传感技术的使用扩展到连续的空气监测设备，从而能够及早发现，从而限制人类接触。初步实验表明，Agentase打算为其传感聚合物提供连续的底物流，将其单点检测机制转变为连续形式，用于检测空气中的神经毒剂。此外，还将增加一个能够定量解释信号并适用于遥感应用的电子信号阅读器。第二阶段将涉及神经毒剂装置的原型建造和实地测试，以及扩展到其他危险化学品的开发工作。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Agentase seeks Phase I SBIR funding to adapt its single-use surface-sensing technology to an on-line, real-time sensor format for detection of trace amounts of nerve agent contamination in air. The proposed unit will be small, rugged, self-contained, inexpensive, and compatible with other sensor constructs. Previous work in our lab suggests the unit will have excellent sensitivity, rapid response to contamination, and high accuracy and reliability in detection contamination. The efforts of this Phase I proposal are directed at developing and building prototype sensors having practical utility in a field environment. Many tests within e2B the US and Europe have shown that the Agentase single point technology is highly successful in detecting nerve agents, and operational tests have shown that this new sensing technology is well suited and accepted by potential end users within the military and homeland security communities. This enzyme-based biosensor is capable of detecting nerve agents on surfaces, in solution, and in air. The sensor technology makes use of the pH-dependent catalytic activity of enzymes to develop a dynamic pH equilibrium and provides a positive signal by changing color from yellow to red in the presence of nerve agents. Enzymes per definition are highly specific to nerve agents and are superior to any other conventional detection mechanism. Agentase seeks to utilize its technology and expertise to extend the use of its sensing technology towards continuous air monitoring equipment allowing an early detection and thus limiting human exposure. As shown in preliminary experiments, Agentase intends to supply a continuous stream of substrate to its sensing polymer to turn its single point detection mechanism into a continuous format for detection of nerve agents in air. In addition an electronic signal reader will be added capable of quantitative signal interpretation and suitable for remote sensing applications. Phase II will involve prototype construction and field testing of the nerve agent unit as well as development work for expansion to other hazardous chemicals.