Nerve Agent Sensing Biopolymer Wipe
Abstract
This research and development project entitled "Nerve Agent Sensing Biopolymer Wipe" is directed at developing a simple-to-use enzyme-containing sensor for detecting nerve agent contamination at surfaces, in air and in solution, and to provide a tool for early and accurate identification of the chemical agents. The objective of this research effort consists of presenting a prototype to the end-user community, which is highly sensitive, easy to use, and accurate. The Agentase nerve agent outperforms 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 sensor is self-contained and simply pressed against a surface to initiate the reaction equilibrium described above. The substrate and enzymes are also each directly integrated within the polymer layers to remove any requirement for applying additional substrates or extended incubation times, as is the case with conventional technologies. Similar to a traffic light, the yellow sensor develops a red color after exposure to a contaminated surface and a green color to indicate a clean surface. In the existing prototype, red color is developed in less than 2 minutes, while the full green color development takes roughly 20 minutes.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA413535
Entities
People
- Keith Lejeune
- Markus Erbeldinger