Field-deployable rapid multiple biosensing system for detection of chemical and biological warfare agents

A portable device that can detect dangerous chemical and biological warfare agents at less than the mean lethal dose has been developed. Chemical and biological terrorism represents an increasing threat worldwide. Although various sensors have been developed for detecting toxins and pathogenic agents, there remains a need for a portable device that first responders can use to perform initial risk assessments. Masato Saito of Osaka University in Japan and co-workers have achieved this by combining three detection strategies in one device. The device samples air from the environment and then uses electrochemical measurements to detect nerve gases, gold nanoparticles to detect toxic proteins, and a PCR chip to detect pathogens. Molecules of interest can be detected in 5 to 15 minutes, and the device can be transported in a 30-centimeter cubic case.