Proceedings of the Public Security S&T Summer Symposium 2009

CRTI 06-0187TD

Portable Biological Agent Detection System

Project Lead: National Research Council Canada – Industrial Materials Institute

Federal Partners: National Research Council Canada – Steacie Institute for Molecular Sciences, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, DRDC Suffield

Other Partners: Université Laval – Département de Chimie, Centre de Recherche en Science et Ingénierie des Macromolécules, Centre d’Optique, Photonique et Laser; Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec – Centre de Recherche en Infectiologie

Objectives

This project aims at developing and validating a fully functional portable instrument for the rapid and reliable molecular detection of biological agents. This detection platform is based on a novel nucleic acid sensing technology called fluorescence chain reaction (FCR), which gives rise to a several thousand-fold amplification of the fluorescence signal emitted upon hybridization with a target DNA strand. This biosensor, when coupled to micron-sized carrier particles and integrated in a microfluidic device, provides rapid (less than one hour) and species-specific detection at such low concentration levels that neither polymerase chain reaction amplification nor chemical tagging is necessary, thereby reducing complexity and cost while improving speed of analysis.

Relevance

The project will be relevant to many CRTI priority areas, providing investigational authorities (such as the RCMP) with a robust tool to diagnose, track, and detect the source of biological agents (e.g., anthrax) in criminal or national security investigations. Based on detection technology that provides fast readout, this instrument could also support the rapid deployment of first responders to determine the existence and scale of a CBRNE event and quickly screen CBRNE-exposed individuals.

Recent Progress and Results

A first prototype of the instrument comprising a fluidic interface and integrated optics for detection is nearly complete. The instrument is further equipped with pumps and pressure-control units to mediate capture of beads in a fluidic cartridge. Tests with fluorescently modified beads revealed proper functioning of both fluidic driving and optical detection systems. The fluidic cartridge is being fabricated from thermoplastic materials and has been optimized for mechanical trapping of well-defined monolayer bead beds. The team has made progress towards isolation of genomic DNA from bacteria or spores in powder samples similar to those used in real case scenarios. Moreover, the team demonstrated mechanical cell lysis on a chip and evaluated the performance of the cell disruption process. The chemistry used for FCR is currently being adapted to the method of sample preparation and fluidic manipulation of beads.

Another project task involved purification and concentration of DNA in a microfluidic device using chemically modified beads. These beads are used as probes and can bind specifically to the DNA of Bacillus anthracis, which can be further detected using a simple optical system. The project team has described the principles of this operation and the architecture of a device that may be employed for this purpose, and has outlined efforts towards integration. While currently focused on sampling and fluid-driving automation, the team will aim long-term efforts at reliability, robustness, and user friendliness of the final instrument.

A first demonstration by a first responder is planned for late June 2009. After this demonstration, a second and final generation of the instrument will be built. The final version will include all modifications and improvements required by the first responder. The final demonstration is planned for fall 2010.

Impact

This project will improve Canada’s immediate reaction and ability to contain and manage the consequences of a bioterrorist attack. It will also improve Canada’s ability to address CRTI risk scenarios of immediate, high, and emerging preparedness priorities related to attacks on people and infrastructure.

Such an easy-to-use and reliable instrument will improve the overall effectiveness and efficiency of first responders. It can help police investigators, such as the RCMP, positively identify the presence of biologically threatening agents at the crime scene of a CBRNE event and assist the armed forces facing threats in missions abroad.

Authors:

Jean-François Gravel, Département de Chimie et Centre d’Optique, Photonique et Laser, Université Laval, jean-francois.gravel.1@ulaval.ca

Matthias Geissler, Industrial Materials Institute, National Research Council Canada, matthias.geissler@cnrc-nrc.gc.ca

Isabelle Charlebois, Centre de Recherche en Infectiologie, Université Laval, Isabelle.charlebois@crchul.ulaval.ca

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