Mass Scale Biosensor Threat Diagnostic for In-Theater Defense Utilization.

摘要

The goals of this project are to develop two biosensors capable of rapidly assessing exposure to unknown toxicants and to validate these biosensors by gold-standard cytogenetic assays. We have made significant progress in all three areas of the project. (1) Cytogenetics: Dose responses have been validated for UV and H202 for all three cytogenetic assays with increasing levels of DNA damage observed with increasing exposure to genotoxic agents. (2) EIST biosensor: We have successfully established a calibration method for quantitative analysis of 8-OHdG colorimetric testing in standard solution, diluted urine and cell culture medium. In addition, we have successfully integrated the Carbon nanotube (CNT) paper electrode to the paper strip based platform, and tested the 8-OHdG concentrations by traditional colorimetric method as well as electrochemical method. (3) Gold nanoparticle whole-cell based biosensor: we have demonstrated the proof-of-concept that silver, and possibly gold, are suitable SERS substrates for selective and specific detection of Hsp70 and RAD54 proteins from yeast exposed to environmental stress, but have not yet been able to load sufficient quantities of the SERS sensors into the yeast cells to measure the proteins intracellularly. During the next year we will assess the accuracy and reliability of these 2 biosensors.