Detection of Explosive Vapors by Enzymatic Methods -- Laboratory Validation and Systems Analysis.
Abstract
The biological approach to mine detection selected for development (in 1973) is based on two sequential chemical reactions. In the first stage, TNT reacts with NADH in a reaction which is catalyzed by the specific enzyme TNT reductase, or 'TNTase.' In the second stage, residual NADH is used in another enzyme catalyzed reaction to reduce FMN to FMNH2. The FMNH2 further reacts with dissolved oxygen and an aldehyde (tetradecanal) to produce photons (having a peak at a wavelength of 492 nm) and other reaction products. It is this final reaction that provides the very high sensitivity of the method. It is conducted in the field of view of a PMT, which is capable of sensing the loss of ten to the 9th power (or less) molecules of NADH due to the first-stage TNT reaction.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1978
- Accession Number
- ADA051582
Entities
People
- A. Strickler
- C. Brawner
- K. Donovan
- M. Greene
- T. Gawronski