System and method of aerosolized agent capture and detection

Abstract

System and method of aerosolized agent detection. Multi-part collection tape is employed for capturing particles of interest for immediate analysis and optional forensic preservation and recording information related to capture and subsequent real-time analysis. Laser induced breakdown spectroscopic processing is employed and spectra attributable to known collection tape materials is subtracted to derive particle spectra for comparison to known hazardous agent spectra.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] The present application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 437,962, filed May 14, 2003 and hereby claims priority thereof.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates generally to the capture and detection of aerosolized agents, such as, for example, chemical or biological biowarfare agents, and, more particularly to systems for and methods of continuous sampling and analysis of aerosol samples potentially containing such agents. [0003] As the anthrax mailings of October of 2001 demonstrated, a number of vectors are available to the terrorist bent on social disruption. Biological warfare agents have long been a domestic terror concern and the use of the mails as a delivery method has many serious consequences. Not only are mail recipients at risk, but all those who handle or are in the vicinity of the mail piece during processing are at risk as well. In the extreme case, a few strategically posted items could bring ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is about a system and method for capturing and identifying aerosolized particulate matter in fluid samples, such as hazardous agents in mail pieces. The system includes a sample capture tape with a data storage portion and a dispenser for collecting particles on the tape. The particles are then analyzed in real-time using a laser-induced breakdown spectroscopic (LIBS) system. The method allows for continuous detection of aerosolized agents by advancing the sample capture tape and collecting particles on a second collection portion simultaneously. The system can be used in various applications, such as building ventilation systems and military point detection systems.

Problems solved by technology

Biological warfare agents have long been a domestic terror concern and the use of the mails as a delivery method has many serious consequences.

Not only are mail recipients at risk, but all those who handle or are in the vicinity of the mail piece during processing are at risk as well.

If mail delivery were to cease, even for a few days, the impact to trade, commerce, finance and general communication is incalculable.

PCR is a powerful and useful technique but it does not generate results in real-time.

This time lag is problematic, as the mail piece containing the hazard will have traveled further down stream potentially affecting postal workers or postal customers.

Other techniques using multi spectral ultra-violet (UV) fluorescence techniques may render a result quickly, but are prone to false alarms and are often non-specific relative to the threat.

For example, non-threatening biological particulate in the right size range will typically cause a UV sensor system to indicate a false positive detection.

Also, even if hazardous particles are correctly detected, UV based sensors will typically indicate the presence of the threat without specifically identifying the agent.

Images