Compositions, systems, kits, and methods for detection of f-block elements

Abstract

Compositions, systems, kits, and methods are provided for detecting f-block elements. The composition includes an effective amount of 2‑(5‑Bromo‑2‑pyridylazo)‑5‑(diethylamino)phenol (Br‑PADAP) and an effective amount of a non‑ionic solvent. The non‑ionic solvent has an absence of an organic solvent. On a condition that the composition is in contact with the target particle, a colorimetric output is produced.

Description

Attorney Docket No. 1220-003-01WOCOMPOSITIONS, SYSTEMS, KITS, AND METHODS FOR DETECTION OF F- BLOCK ELEMENTSCross-Reference to Related Applications

[0001] This application claims priority to and the filing date benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 729,649, entitled “Compositions and Methods for Colorimetric Detection of Target Particles,” filed December 9, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.Background

[0002] The embodiments described herein relate to the detection of target particles, and more specifically to compositions and methods for colorimetric detection of contaminants such as actinides or lanthanides.

[0003] Exposure to particles of certain elements, such as lanthanides and / or actinides, can be harmful to the exposed. Accordingly, it is often desirable to detect the presence of such particles, which can be dispersed throughout the environment. One of the first steps in responding when the presence of such particles is suspected can be to ascertain the size of a potentially contaminated area so that a response perimeter can be established. As part of the response, it will often be desirable to decontaminate exposed people, animals, equipment, structures and / or other surfaces. Therefore, responding personnel must identify individuals, animals, equipment, structures and / or other surfaces that are contaminated by the presence of harmful particles. Some, known response protocols employ a grab-sample of approaches to the detection of harmful particles. Such approaches, however are limited since sampled material often requires days of separations and / or other processing in a laboratory setting, which is a great disadvantage over a rapid onsite detection kit.

[0004] In certain industrial, power generation, and / or medical facilities, personnel that perform tasks in or near the facilities can be accidentally exposed to harmful particles without their knowledge. In such instances, early detection of the contamination can be beneficial. Accordingly, frequent, routine screening of personnel whose activities present a contaminationAttorney Docket No. 1220-003-01WO risk may be desirable. In order to provide routine screening, it is desirable that the tests provide nearly instantaneous results, on-site, and at a cost that is sustainable for frequent screenings.

[0005] Some known methods for colorimetric detection can be difficult to interpret due to variations in the perceived color when viewed in varying ambient conditions, due to fading of the color over time, or because the color produced may vary depending on the amount of the target particles present. Additionally, the presence of certain elements can interfere with producing reliable and repeatable colorimetric outputs. For example, some known compositions for producing colorimetric output to detect uranium have been identified as being subject to undesirable interference when in the presence of certain elements, such as cadmium, cobalt, copper, iron, manganese, nickel, or zinc.

[0006] In some known methods of colorimetric detection, the colorimetric agent (i.e., the dye) is dissolved in an organic solvent. The resultant solution is, therefore, typically flammable. The flammability of the test solutions used in some known colorimetric detection methods can negatively affect the storage, transportation, and / or the acceptable use environmental of the test solutions. For example, the flammability of the test solution can preclude the transportation of quantities of the test solution via aircraft.

[0007] Thus, a need exists for new and improved compositions and methods for colorimetric detection of target particles, such as actinides and lanthanides.Summary

[0008] This summary introduces certain aspects of the embodiments described herein to provide a basic understanding. This summary is not an extensive overview of the inventive subject matter, and it is not intended to identify key or critical elements or to delineate the scope of the inventive subject matter.

[0009] In some embodiments, the present disclosure is directed to composition for detection of a target particle. The composition can include an effective amount of 2-(5-Bromo-2- pyridylazo)-5-(diethylamino)phenol (Br-PADAP) and an effective amount of a non-ionicAttorney Docket No. 1220-003-01WO surfactant that has an absence of an organic solvent. On a condition that the composition is in contact with the target particle, a colorimetric output is produced.

[0010] In some embodiments, the present disclosure is directed to a method of manufacturing a composition configured to produce a colorimetric output on contact with a target particle. The method can include dissolving an effective amount of Br-PADAP in an effective amount of a nonionic surfactant to form an intermediate solution. The non-ionic surfactant is devoid of any organic solvent. The method can also include dissolving the intermediate solution in a portion of water to form a detection solution.

[0011] In some embodiments, the present disclosure is directed to a kit for detection of a presence of a target particle on an object. The kit can include a detection solution including an effective of an intermediate solution dissolved in water. The intermediate solution can include an effective amount of Br-PADAP dissolved in a non-ionic surfactant, the non-ionic surfactant having an absence of an organic solvent. The kit can also include a collection member that has a detection surface for contacting the object to a portion of the detection solution in contact with the target particle. On a condition that the detection solution is in contact with the target particle, a colorimetric output is produced on the detection surface.

[0012] In some embodiments, the present disclosure is directed to a method for detecting a target particle. The method can include contacting an object with a collection member to transfer the target particle from the object to a detection surface of the collection member to place the target particle in contact with a detection solution. The detection solution includes an effective of an intermediate solution dissolved in water. The intermediate solution includes an effective amount of Br-PADAP dissolved in a non-ionic surfactant. The non-ionic surfactant has an absence of an organic solvent. The method also includes observing a colorimetric output on a condition that the detection solution is in contact with the target particle on the detection surface.

[0013] In some embodiments, the present disclosure is directed to a composition for detection of one of a lanthanide or an actinide.Attorney Docket No. 1220-003-01WO

[0014] Lanthanides are a group of inner-transition elements in the f-block elements of the periodic table, with atomic numbers 57 to 71. They are often collectively called rare-earth metals. These soft, silvery metals are characterized by their similar physical and chemical properties, their ability to form trivalent ions, and their application in technologies like magnets, catalysts, and optical equipment. The lanthanides are provided in the following table.Table 1. Lanthanides.*When a periodic table entry's molecular weight is in brackets, it signifies that the element is synthetic (man-made), and tire number is tire mass number of its most stable (longest-lived) isotope, as opposed to a weighted average of naturally occurring stable isotopes. These elements lack a natural isotopic abundance, so a standard atomic weight cannot be determined.Attorney Docket No. 1220-003-01WO

[0015] Actinides are a group of inner-transition, radioactive metallic elements in the f-block elements of the periodic table, with atomic numbers ranging from 89 to 103. All isotopes of these elements are radioactive and decay, releasing energy. While uranium and thorium occur naturally, most actinides, such as plutonium, are synthetic, man-made elements used in nuclear technology, medicine, and other scientific applications. The actinides are provided in the following table.Table 2. Actinides.*When a periodic table entry's molecular weight is in brackets, it signifies that the element is synthetic (man-made), and the number is the mass number of its most stable (longest-lived) isotope, as opposed to a weighted average of naturally occurring stable isotopes. These elements lack a natural isotopic abundance, so a standard atomic weight cannot be determined.Attorney Docket No. 1220-003-01WO

[0016] The composition can include an effective amount of Br-PADAP, an effective amount of a non-ionic surfactant, and an effective amount of a buffer agent.

[0017] The effective amount of Br-PADAP and the effective amount of a non-ionic surfactant are dissolved in water to form a detection solution. The effective amount of the buffer agent is sufficient to increase a pH of the detection solution to establish the detection solution in an alkaline state. On a condition that the detection solution is in contact with one of a lanthanide or an actinide, a colorimetric output is produced.

[0018] In some embodiments, the present disclosure is directed to a composition for detection of one of a lanthanide or an actinide. The composition can include an effective amount of Br-PADAP, an effective amount of a non-ionic surfactant, and an effective amount of a chelating agent. The chelating agent is reactive with a metal that is neither a lanthanide nor an actinide. The effective amount of Br-PADAP, the effective amount of a non-ionic surfactant, and the effective amount of a chelating agent are dissolved in water to form a detection solution. On a condition that the detection solution is in contact with one of a lanthanide or an actinide, a colorimetric output is produced.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a method of manufacturing a composition configured to produce a colorimetric output on contact with a target particle, according to an embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a depiction of the structure of a first component of the composition produced according to the method of FIG. 1.

[0021] FIG. 3 is a depiction of the structure of a chelating agent of the composition produced according to the method of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 4 is a plot showing the absorbance (as a function of wavelength) of a colorimetric output in response to exposure to an incident light on a condition that the composition producedAttorney Docket No. 1220-003-01WO according to the method of FIG. 1 is in contact with the target particle, according to an embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 5 is a plot showing the absorbance (as a function of wavelength) of a colorimetric output in response to exposure to an incident light on a condition that the composition of FIG. 1 is in contact with a first target particle and a second target particle, according to an embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of a kit for the detection of a target particle, according to an embodiment.

[0025] FIG. 7 is a schematic depiction of a portion of a method for using the kit of FIG. 6 to detect the target particle, according to an embodiment.

[0026] FIG. 8 is a schematic depiction of a portion of a method for using the kit of FIG. 1 to detect the target particle, according to an embodiment.

[0027] FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration of a kit for the detection of a target particle, according to an embodiment.

[0028] FIG. 10 is a schematic depiction of a portion of a method for using the kit of FIG. 1 to detect the target particle, according to an embodiment.

[0029] FIG. 11 is a flow chart of a method for detecting a target particle, according to an embodiment.Detailed Description

[0030] Generally, the present disclosure is directed to compositions, testing kits, and methods for the detection of a target particle, such as an actinide. The nonflammable compositions facilitate the rapid detection of the presence of a target particle via producing colorimetric changes that can be easily detected or read by a user. Specifically, the colorimetric outputs produced by the compositions, kits and methods described herein can be visually read and interpreted (e.g., when viewed in ambient light conditions) and can also be read by an instrument that employs spectroscopy techniques. For example, in some embodiments, the compositions, kits and methodsAttorney Docket No. 1220-003-01WO described herein can produce a colorimetric output that is characterized by an absorbance spectrum that has a spike (or peak) associated with the target particle. In this manner, the compositions, systems, kits, and methods described herein facilitate detection of a number of different target particles.

[0031] As described herein, the principal colorimetric agent of the nonflammable compositions is 2-(5-Bromo-2-pyridylazo)-5-(diethylamino)phenol (Br-PADAP). Br-PADAP is not soluble in water, but is soluble in organic solvents, such as ethanol or dimethyl sulfoxide.

[0032] The use of organic solvents undesirably increases the flammability of the resultant solution. However, it has been discovered that Br-PADAP can be dissolved in certain non-ionic surfactants. Therefore, to produce a nonflammable composition, the Br-PADAP is surprisingly dissolved in a non-ionic surfactant in lieu of an organic solvent. The Br-PADAP and the non-ionic surfactant form a solution that is substantially free from organic solvents and is nonflammable. This solution can, however, have a viscosity that is greater than would otherwise be desired. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the Br-PADAP surfactant solution can be dissolved in a portion of water to form a detection solution with a lower viscosity that is suitable for use in the detection of target particles in a field environment. Like the Br-PADAP surfactant solution, the detection solution is also nonflammable.

[0033] In some embodiments, the compositions, systems, kits and methods described herein can accommodate detection in the presence of various potentially interfering elements, such as non-target particle metals that are otherwise reactive with Br-PADAP. To that end, nonflammable compositions can optionally include at least one chelating agent that is reactive with a metal that is neither a lanthanide nor an actinide. The molecules of the chelating agent Ac bond with the interfering elements. The molecules of the interfering elements that bond with the molecules of the chelating agent are not available to bond with or otherwise affect an energy state of the Br-PADAP. Therefore, the molecules of the interfering elements that are bonded with the molecules of chelating agent are not available to drive the colorimetric change that would otherwise have resulted from their interaction with the molecules of Br-PADAP thereby interfering with the desired interaction between the target particle and the Br-PADAP.Attorney Docket No. 1220-003-01WO

[0034] As further described herein, the efficacy of the nonflammable compositions (e.g., the detection solution) to produce a colorimetric change in the presence of the target particle can further be enhanced via the inclusion of a selectivity agent. The selectivity agent can counter a cation of the Br-P DAP and establish the detection solution in a neutral charge state, which, in turn, increases the reactivity of the Br-PADAP. The selectivity agent can be an anion that attracts a portion of interfering elements thereby rendering the attracted portion unavailable to bond with the Br-PADAP. Such interfering elements, under certain conditions can produce an interfering colorimetric change that is not indicative of the presence of the target particle. Thus, by making unavailable portions of such interfering elements, the selectivity agent can enhance the efficacy of the detection solution.

[0035] The efficacy of the nonflammable composition to produce the colorimetric change in the presence of the target particle can also be enhanced via the inclusion of an optional buffer agent. The buffer agent can increase the pH of the detection solution to establish the detection solution in an alkaline state. By establishing the detection solution in an alkaline state, the Br-PADAP is rendered more reactive with the target particle than when the detection solution is in a neutral state. Further, the detection solution can include one or more counter-interference agents. The counter-interference agents can be selected to be reactive with a metal that is neither a lanthanide nor an actinide. For example, the counter interference agents can be selected to target specific interfering elements, that could otherwise interfere with the production of the colorimetric output in the presence of the target particle. Additionally, the detection solution can optionally include a dye-fixative agent to facilitate the maintenance of the colorimetric output for at least a desired display interval. In other words, the dye-fixative agent can shield the colorimetric output from alteration or diminishment resulting from ongoing reactions within the detection solution.

[0036] As used herein, “aqueous” refers to something consisting of or containing water, typically as a solvent or medium.

[0037] As used herein, “buffer” refers to a solution that can resist pH changes when something acidic or basic is added to it.

[0038] As used herein, “chelating agent”, “chelanf ’, or “sequestranf ’ all refer to compounds that bind tightly to metal ions, forming a stable, ring-like complex called a chelate. These agentsAttorney Docket No. 1220-003-01WO are used to remove harmful heavy metals from the body in chelation therapy, prevent oxidation in foods and cosmetics, soften water, and control metal ions in various industrial applications. Examples of chelating agents include ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), citric acid, and deferoxamine.

[0039] As used herein, “cloud point temperature” refers to the temperature at which a transparent liquid or solution becomes cloudy due to the formation of solid particles or liquidliquid phase separation.

[0040] As used herein, “colorimetric” refers to the measurement of a color's intensity and / or quality to determine the concentration of a target substance and / or to describe the color of an obj ect numerically. Colorimetric methods can provide a quick, easy method for initial screening of areas suspected of having contamination.

[0041] As used herein, “counter-interference agent” refers to a chemical additive used in analytical chemistry to prevent or eliminate undesirable chemical interferences that can affect the accuracy of a measurement. These agents work by counteracting the effect of an interfering substance, ensuring that the analytical signal being measured is solely or substantially produced by the target substance alone.

[0042] As used herein, “f-block elements” or “f-elements” refer to lanthanides and actinides, wherein their last electron to enter an atom fills the (n-2)f subshell. These 28 elements form two rows placed separately at the bottom of the periodic table to maintain its structure and readability.

[0043] As used herein, “ligand” refers to a molecule that binds, preferably both specifically and with high affinity, to a target molecule thereby enabling the target's identification and measurement. In this context, the ligand is not the substance being detected but rather the probe used to find and signal the presence of the target analyte.

[0044] As used herein, “organic” refers to a type of chemical compound that contains carbon, most often bonded to hydrogen atoms, and sometimes other elements like oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur.Attorney Docket No. 1220-003-01WO

[0045] As used herein, “surfactant” refers to a surface-active agent that reduces the surface tension between substances, allowing two otherwise immiscible liquids or a solid and liquid to mix and / or spread more easily. These molecules have both a hydrophilic (water-loving) head and a hydrophobic (water-hating) tail, enabling them to act as cleaning agents, wetting agents in agriculture, emulsifiers, and components in personal care products and pharmaceuticals.

[0046] As used herein, “non-ionic surfactant” or “nonionic surfactant” refer to surfactants that do not ionize in aqueous solutions, consisting of hydrophilic groups like alcohol or ether that do not separate into ions, and typically feature a hydrophobic tail made from long-chain alcohols or fatty acids.

[0047] As used herein, “solvent” refers to any substance, usually liquid, which is capable of dissolving one or several substances, thus creating a solution. One of the most common examples of solvents is water (H2O), which is generally used for dissolving polar molecules.

[0048] As used herein, the term “organic solvent” refers to a liquid carbon-based chemical that dissolves other substances without undergoing a chemical change in itself or the dissolved material. These solvents are essential in chemistry and various industrial applications for creating solutions, extracting substances, and facilitating reactions, particularly with other organic compounds. Common examples include acetone, ethanol, and toluene, which are found in products like paint thinners, sanitizers, and glues.

[0049] As used herein, “weight %”, “wt %”, weight / weight %”, “wt / wt %”, and “w / w %” all refer to the concentration of a component in a mixture or solution as the mass of that component divided by the total mass of the mixture, multiplied by 100. For example, a 10% w / w or 10 w / w % solution of a drug means 10 grams of the drug are present in every 100 grams of the total solution.

[0050] As used herein, the term “about” when used in connection with a referenced numeric indication means the referenced numeric indication plus or minus up to 10 percent of that referenced numeric indication. For example, the language “about 50” covers the range of 45 to 55. Similarly, the language “about 5” covers the range of 4.5 to 5.5.Attorney Docket No. 1220-003-01WO

[0051] Further, specific words chosen to describe one or more embodiments and optional elements or features are not intended to limit the invention. For example, spatially relative terms — such as “beneath”, “below”, “lower”, “above”, “upper”, “proximal”, “distal”, and the like — may be used to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element or feature as illustrated in the figures. These spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different positions (i.e., translational placements) and orientations (i.e., rotational placements) of a device in use or operation in addition to the position and orientation shown in the figures. For example, if a device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be “above” or “over” the other elements or features. Thus, the term “below” can encompass both positions and orientations of above and below. A device may be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. Likewise, descriptions of movement along (translation) and around (rotation) various axes include various spatial device positions and orientations.

[0052] In addition, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises”, “includes”, “has”, and the like specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, components, etc. but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, or groups.

[0053] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of method 60 of manufacturing colorimetric compositions CC for producing a colorimetric output PCO (See, FIGS. 4, 5, and 10) on contact with a target particle. Any of the devices, kits, methods, and / or procedures described herein can include or be performed with various embodiments of the composition CC formulated to detect a target particle by producing (or causing the production of) a colorimetric output PCO. For example, the colorimetric composition CC may be useful for the detection of a target particle that is an actinide (e.g., elements having atomic numbers from 89 to 103, such as uranium, plutonium, and americium) or a lanthanide (e.g., elements having atomic numbers from 57 to 71).

[0054] As depicted at 62, in some embodiments, an effective amount of a colorimetric agent CA is dissolved in an effective amount of a liquid, non-ionic surfactant NIS to form an intermediate solution Si. The non-ionic surfactant is used to dissolve the colorimetric agent CA in lieu of anAttorney Docket No. 1220-003-01WO organic solvent. Said another way, the non-ionic surfactant NIS is substantially free (e.g., devoid) of an organic solvent. For example, the non-ionic surfactant NIS, and by extension, the composition CC, can include less than 0.1% organic solvent by weight. Due at least in part to the non-ionic surfactant NIS having an absence of an organic solvent, the intermediate solution Si is nonflammable. The non-flammability of the intermediate solution Si reduces or eliminates restrictions and / or limitations on the storage, transportation, and / or use of the colorimetric composition CC.

[0055] In some embodiments, the colorimetric agent CA of the composition CC is an effective amount of 2-(5-Bromo-2-pyridylazo)-5-(diethylamino)phenol (Br-PADAP) (see FIG. 2), which is a dye. As a dye, the Br-PADAP absorbs a portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, has at least one chromophore, is a conjugated system, and exhibits a resonance of electrons. Accordingly, without being bound by theory, the formulations of the composition CC described herein produce the enhanced colorimetric output PCO via an interaction between the Br-PADAP and the target particle that affects an energy state of the Br-PADAP and, therefore, an absorbance of a portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. In other words, Br-PADAP in the absence of a target particle has a first energy state that absorbs a first portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. Br-PADAP has a second energy state that absorbs a second, different portion of the electromagnetic spectrum on a condition that the Br-PADAP is in contact with the target particle. For example, the first energy state of the Br-PADAP can absorb the first portion of the electromagnetic spectrum such that a first color can be observed under a white light. However, on contact with the target particle, the Br-PADAP transitions to the second energy state that absorbs the second, different portion of the electromagnetic spectrum such that a second color can be observed under a white light.

[0056] As used herein, an “effective amount” is an amount sufficient to produce (or cause the production of) a desired result. For example, an effective amount of a colorimetric composition CC is an amount sufficient to produce a desired produced colorimetric output PCO (e.g., a colorimetric output having a desired color and intensity). For example, the effective amount of Br-PADAP is in a range of about 0.05% to about 2.0% (e.g., about 0.8% to about 1.5%, about 0.9 to about 1.1%, or other suitable sub- ranges) by weight of the intermediate solution Si. In some embodiments, the effective amount of Br-PADAP is in a range of about 0.05%, about 0.10%, about 0.50%, about 1 .0%, about 1 .5%, about 2.0%, or about 2.5% by weight of the intermediate solutionAttorney Docket No. 1220-003-01WOSi. Similarly, the effective amount of the non-ionic surfactant NIS is an amount sufficient to produce the desired solution containing the colorimetric composition (e.g., in some embodiments the effective amount of non-ionic surfactant is in a range of 98% to 99.5% by weight of the intermediate solution Si).

[0057] In some embodiments, the non-ionic surfactant NIS is a liquid with a cloud point temperature greater than 25° Celsius. The use of a non-ionic surfactant NIS having a cloud point temperature greater than 25° Celsius facilitates the production or perception of the colorimetric output PCO by reducing or eliminating visual interference that might otherwise result if the non-ionic surfactant NIS had a lower cloud point temperature. Additionally, in some embodiments, the non-ionic surfactant NIS is a liquid having a viscosity in a range of 100 to 2000 centipoise (e.g., 150 to 1000 centipoise, 150 to 250 centipoise, 150 to 200 centipoise, or any other suitable sub- range) at a temperature in a range of 20° to 24° Celsius. The non-ionic surfactant NIS can, for example, be octylphenol decaethylene glycol ether. Octylphenol decaethylene glycol ether is also known as t-octylphenoxypolyethoxy ethanol and polyethylene glycol tert-octylphenyl ether; is often abbreviated as OP-IOEO or OPEO-IO; has the general chemical formula CsHi?- C6H4-(OCH2CH2)IO-OH (i.e., C34H620n); is assigned CAS Number 9002-93-1; and is commercially available as Triton™ X-100.

[0058] Additional examples of non-ionic surfactants that could be used in the compositions and methods of the present disclosure include but are not limited to polyoxyethylene alkylphenol ethers (e.g., Triton™ X-100, Igepal CA-630, Nonidet P-40 substitute), polyoxyethylene sorbitan esters (e.g., Tween 20, Tween 80), and polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers (e.g., Brij-35).

[0059] It should, however, be appreciated that other nonflammable, non-ionic surfactants that have a cloud point temperature greater than 25° Celsius can be suitable. For example, the nonflammable, non-ionic surfactant can be an ether, an ester, and / or ether-ester nonionic surfactant.

[0060] Due at least in part to the viscosity of the non-ionic surfactant NIS, the intermediate solution Si can have a viscosity that is greater than would otherwise be desired for the detection of the target particles in a field environment. Accordingly, as depicted at 64, in some embodiments, the intermediate solution Si is combined with a portion of water W to form a detection solution SD.Attorney Docket No. 1220-003-01WOSaid another way, the intermediate solution Si can be diluted by being dissolved in the water W to produce the detection solution SD. The detection solution SD can, therefore, have a viscosity that is less than a viscosity of the intermediate solution Si. For example, the viscosity of the detection solution SD can be in a range of 1 to 50 centipoise. Being that the intermediate solution Si is nonflammable, the formation of the detection solution SD via the addition of the portion of water W likewise produces a detection solution SD that is nonflammable.

[0061] Following the dissolving of the intermediate solution Si in the portion of water W, the solution Si forms a minor portion of the resultant detection solution. For example, in some embodiments, the intermediate solution Si can be diluted to the point that it is in a range of about 1.0% to about 5.0% (e.g., about 2.0% to about 4.0%, about 2.5% to about 3.0%, or other suitable sub-ranges) by weight of the resultant detection solution SD. In some embodiments, the intermediate solution Si can be diluted to the point that it is in a range of about 0.50%, about 0.75% about 1.0%, about 2.0%, about 3.0%, about 4.0%, about 5.0%, or about 6.0% by weight of the resultant detection solution SD. By extension therefore, the effective amount of Br-PADAP can be in a range of about 0.005% to about 1.1% by weight of the detection solution. In some embodiments, the effective amount of Br-PADAP can be in a range of about 0.005%, about 0.01%, about 0.05%, about 0.1%, about 0.5%, about 1.0%, about 1.1%, about 1.2%, about 1.3%, about 1.4%, or about 1.5% by weight of the detection solution.

[0062] In some embodiments, the detection solution SD, which can include any additional agents as described herein, can have a solute form in a stored state. The solute form can be configured to receive a liquid to transition to a test state. In other words, the detection solution SD can be reconstituted from a powered form that facilitates storage and / or transshipment to a liquid for the detection of a target particle. Said another way, in some embodiments, the composition CC can be a dry powder composition that is formulated to dissolve (e.g., rehydrate) in contact with a solvent, such as water. Said yet another way, the detection solution SD can be dried or dehydrated following the completion of the method 60 to transition the composition CC to a solute form in a stored state.

[0063] By way of illustration, the detection solution SD can be applied to an absorbent material, such as a cloth or a swab (e.g., the collection member 1150 (FIG. 6) or the collection member 2150Attorney Docket No. 1220-003-01WO((FIG. 9) as described below), and allowed to dry. The drying of the detection solution SD transitions the constituents within SD (including the composition CC) to the solute form. Following the transition of the composition CC to the solute form (e.g., following the drying of the detection solution SD) the cloth or swab impregnated with the composition CC can be sealed within a container and stored for later use. To use the impregnated cloth or swab for the detection of a target particle, the cloth or swab can be removed from the container and the composition CC can be brought into contact with a liquid (e.g., water can be applied to the cloth or swab to at least moisten the material containing the composition in solute form) to rehydrate (e.g., reform) the detection solution SD

[0064] The methods, systems, kits, and compositions of the present disclosure can be used in any manner that is suitable for using ligands to test for the presence of a target molecule such as, but not limited to the following: colorimeters, spectrophotometers, fluorimeters, surface plasmon resonance (SPR) instruments, Raman spectrometers (SERS), potentiostats, field-effect transistor (FET) biosensors, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) devices, quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) devices, microcantilever sensors, acoustic wave sensors (e.g., surface acoustic wave (SAW), balk acoustic wave (BAW)), magnetic resonance sensors (e.g., nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), contrast agents), magnetoresistive sensors, magnetic separation devices, affinity chromatography columns, capillary electrophoresis, solid phase extraction (SPE) cartridges, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) plate readers, lateral flow devices (e.g., test strips, dipsticks), microarrays, biochips, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), matrix-assisted laser desorption / ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), positron emission tomography (PET) scanners, single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) scanners, and / or autoradiography instruments.

[0065] In some embodiments, the methods, systems, kits, and compositions of the present disclosure can be utilized in any suitable detection method and / or apparatus including but not limited to wet wipes or dry wipes for laboratory and field use, as a solution for testing solids (e.g., soil) and liquids (e.g., water), and / or as a spray for testing small or large areas.Attorney Docket No. 1220-003-01WO

[0066] During use, contact with certain molecules can interfere with the production of the colorimetric output PCO (e.g., a predetermined colorimetric output). For example, a portion of these non-target particles can be attracted to and bond with the colorimetric agent CA, thereby producing a color change (e.g., a colorimetric output) that is not associated with contact with the target particle. This undesirable color change in response to the non-target particles can negatively affect the perception of the desired colorimetric output PCO that is produced in response to contact with the target particle. The non-target particles can include elements that are known to bind with Br-PADAP and that may have a detrimental effect on the interaction between the Br-PADAP and the target particle. For example, metals such as cadmium, cobalt, copper, iron, manganese, zinc, and nickel are known to be attracted to Br-PADAP. Therefore, as depicted at 66, in some embodiments the composition CC can include an effective amount of at least one chelating agent Ac (see FIG. 3). Said another way, and effective amount of the chelating agent(s) Ac can be dissolved in the detection solution SD. In some embodiments, the effective amount of the chelating agent(s) Ac can be in a range of about 0.5% to about 10.0% (e.g., about 2.0% to about 8.0%, about 3.0% to about 6.0%, or other suitable sub-ranges) by weight of the detection solution SD. In some embodiments, the effective amount of the chelating agent(s) Ac can be in a range of about 0.50%, about 0.75% about 1.0%, about 2.0%, about 3.0%, about 4.0%, about 5.0%, about 6.0%, about 7.0%, about 8.0%, about 9.0%, about 10.0%, or about 10.5% by weight of the detection solution SD. The chelating agent(s) Ac can be reactive (e.g., chelate) with a metal that is neither a lanthanide nor an actinide. Without being bound by theory, the chelation between the chelating agent(s) Ac and a portion of the non-target particles renders that portion unavailable to further bond with or otherwise interact with the Br-PADAP and, therefore, incapable of producing an unintended and undesired color change.

[0067] As depicted in FIG. 3, in some embodiments, the chelating agent Ac includes at least two electron-donor atoms. A distance D between the electron-donor atoms defines a maximal particle size for chelation. The target particle (e.g., an actinide or a lanthanide) has a size that is greater than the distance D between the electron-donor atoms thereby minimizing or preventing chelation with the target particle. In contrast, non-target particles, such as certain transition metals have a size that is less than the distance D thereby rendering chelation possible. Thus, the chelatingAttorney Docket No. 1220-003-01WO agent Ac can be selected to have a desired distance D that is smaller than the size of the target particle but larger than the size of various non-target particles.

[0068] In some embodiments, the chelating agent Ac can, for example, be Diaminocyclohexane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid monohydrate (CyDTA). CyDTA has a greater affinity for transition metals than for target particles, such as uranium. Accordingly, the effective amount of CyDTA will bond with a portion of the non-target particles to reduce the number of non-target particles that are available to bond with the colorimetric agent CA and interfere with the production of the desired colorimetric output.

[0069] Referring again to FIG. 1, in some embodiments, the method 60 can optionally include, at 68, establishing a neutral charge state of the detection solution SD by dissolving an effective amount of a selectivity agent As in the detection solution SD. The effective amount of the selectivity agent As can be in a range of about 0.10% to about 3.0% (e.g., about 0.75% to about 2.0%, about 0.90% to about 1.10%, or other suitable sub- ranges) by weight of the detection solution SD. In some embodiments, the effective amount of the selectivity agent As can be in a range of about 0.05%, about 0.10%, about 0.50%, about 1.0%, about 1.5%, about 2.0%, about 2.5%, about 3.0%, or about 3.5% by weight of the detection solution SD.

[0070] The selectivity agent As can, for example, be an anion that counters the cation of the colorimetric agent CA. Similarly stated, the selectivity agent As in combination with the cation of the colorimetric agent CA can establish neutral charge state of the detection solution SD. In some embodiments, the selectivity agent As can be sodium fluoride which dissolves into sodium and fluoride ions upon introduction into the detection solution SD. Additionally, the fluoride ions of the selectivity agent As, being negatively charged, can be attractive to the non-target particles, which, in turn, can further reduce the number of non-target particles are available to bond with the colorimetric agent CA and interfere with the production of the desired colorimetric output.

[0071] In some embodiments, a buffer is desirable to establish and / or maintain a desired pH of the detection solution SD to aid in complexation. Accordingly, the method 60 can optionally include, at 70, establishing a pH of the detection solution SD in an alkaline state by dissolving an effective amount of a buffer agent AB in the detection solution SD. The establishment of the detection solution SD in an alkaline state facilitates a covalent bond between the colorimetric agentAttorney Docket No. 1220-003-01WOCA and the target particle (e.g., between Br-PADAP and uranium). In some embodiments, the buffer agent can be triethanolamine. In some embodiments, the buffer agent can, for example, be selected from a group that includes tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane, triethylammonium carbonate, tri ethylammonium acetate, 2-amino-2-m ethyl- 1,3 -propanediol, sodium bicarbonate, sodium hydroxide, disodium tetraborate, tetrahydroxypropyl ethylenediamine, diethanol amine, and ethanolamine. The effective amount of the buffer agent AB can be in a range of about 2.0% to about 15.0% (e.g., about 5.0% to about 10.0%, about 10.0% to about 15.0%, about 11.0% to about 14.0%, about 12.5% to about 13.5%, or other suitable sub-ranges) by weight of the detection solution SD. In some embodiments, the effective amount of the buffer agent AB can be in a range of about 1.5%, about 2.0%, about 2.5%, about 3.0%, about 3.5%, about 4.0%, about 4.5%, about 5.0%, about 5.5%, about 6.0%, about 6.5%, about 7.0%, about 7.5%, about 8.0%, about 8.5%, about 9.0%, about 9.5%, about 10.0%, about 10.5%, about 11.0%, about 11.5%, about 12.0%, about 12.5%, about 13.0%, about 13.5%, about 14.0%, about 14.5%, about 15.0%, or about 15.5% by weight of the detection solution SD

[0072] In some embodiments, the method 60 can optionally include, at 72, dissolving an effective amount of at least one counter-interference agent Aci. The counter-interference agent(s) Aci is reactive with a metal that is neither a lanthanide nor an actinide. Accordingly, the counter-interference agent Aci can bond with a portion of the metal non-target particles to reduce the number of metal non-target particles that are available to bond with the colorimetric agent CA. Such metal non-target particles, under certain conditions, can interfere with the production of the desired colorimetric output. The counter-interference agent(s) Aci can act in conjunction with the chelating agent Ac to render the non-target particles unavailable to further bond with or otherwise interact with the Br-PADAP and, therefore, incapable of producing an unintended and undesired color change. However, the counter-interference agent(s) Aci can have an affinity with certain non-target particles that is greater than an affinity of the chelating agent Ac to the same non-target particles. In other words, the counter-interference agent(s) Aci can augment the effects of the chelating agent Ac. In some embodiments, the effective amount of the counter-interference agent(s) Aci is in a range of about 0.1% to about 3.0% (e.g., about 0.8% to about 1.5%, about 0.9% to about 1.1%, or other suitable sub- ranges) by weight of the detection solution SD. In some embodiments, the effective amount of the counter-interference agent(s) Aci can be in a range ofAttorney Docket No. 1220-003-01WO about 0.05%, about 0.10%, about 0.50%, about 1.0%, about 1.5%, about 2.0%, about 2.5%, about 3.0%, or about 3.5% by weight of the detection solution SD

[0073] In some embodiments, the counter-interference agent(s) Aci can be selected based on an affinity with non-target particles of interest. For example, in some embodiments, the counter-interference agent(s) Aci can be sulphosalisylic acid and / or potassium thiosulfate, which have a greater affinity to copper and nickel than the chelating agent (e.g., CyDTA).

[0074] In some embodiments, the method 60 can optionally include dissolving a first and a second counter-interference agent Aci in the detection solution SD. The first counter-interference agent Aci can be a metal chelating agent in an effective amount that is in the range of about 0.5% to about 3.0% (e.g., about 0.8% to about 1.5%, about 0.9% to about 1.1%, or other suitable sub- ranges) by weight of the detection solution SD. The first counter-interference agent Aci can, for example, be sulphosalisylic acid. The second counter-interference agent Aci can be a non-chelating agent in an effective amount that is in the range of about 0.5% to about 3.0% (e.g., about 0.8% to about 1.5%, about 0.9% to about 1.1%, or other suitable sub-ranges) by weight of the detection solution SD. The second counter-interference agent Aci can, for example, be potassium thiosulfate, potassium thiocyanate, or the sodium salts of the same. For example, possible sodium salts to use in the methods of the present disclosure include but are not limited to sodium citrate and sodium thiocyanate.

[0075] In some embodiments, the composition CC can be configured and / or formulated to maintain the colorimetric output PCO for a desired display interval. The desired display interval can, for example, be 24 hours. In other words, the colorimetric output PCO can, for example, be maintained (e.g., from within a solution or a detection surface) for at least 24 hours. In some embodiments, the colorimetric output PCO can be maintained for between about 5 minutes and about 24 hours. In some embodiments, the colorimetric output PCO can be maintained for between about 12 hours and about 36 hours. In some embodiments, the colorimetric output PCO can be maintained for between about 24 hours and about 48 hours. In some embodiments, the colorimetric output PCO can be maintained for as long as one week. This allows the compositions, kits, and methods described herein to be maintained for verification or documentation purposes.Attorney Docket No. 1220-003-01WO

[0076] To facilitate maintaining the colorimetric output PCO for the desired display interval, in some embodiments, the method 60 can optionally include, at 74, dissolving an effective amount of a dye-fixative agent AF. The dye-fixative agent AF configured to facilitate maintaining the colorimetric output PCO for the desired display interval. The effective amount of the dye-fixative agent AF can be range of about 0.1% to about 20.0% (e.g., about 0.1% to about 10.0%, about 2.0% to about 8.0%, about 4.0% to about 6.0%, about 10.0% to about 20.0%, about 12.0% to about 18.0%, about 14.0% to about 16.0%, or other suitable sub-ranges) by weight of the detection solution SD. The effective amount of the dye-fixative agent AF can be about 0.05%, about 0.10%, about 0.50%, about 1.0%, about 1.5%, about 2.0%, about 2.5%, about 3.0%, about 3.5%, about 4.0%, about 4.5%, about 5.0%, about 5.5%, about 6.0%, about 6.5%, about 7.0%, about 7.5%, about 8.0%, about 8.5%, about 9.0%, about 9.5%, about 10.0%, about 10.5%, about 11.0%, about 11.5%, about 12.0%, about 12.5%, about 13.0%, about 13.5%, about 14.0%, about 14.5%, about 15.0%, about 15.5%, about 16.0%, about 16.5%, about 17.0%, about 17.5%, about 18.0%, about 18.5%, about 19.0%, about 19.5%, about 20.0%, 20.5%, or about 21.0% by weight of the detection solution SD. The dye-fixative agent AF can, for example, be gum arabic. It should be appreciated that other suitable dye fixatives known in the art can be selected as the dye-fixative agent AF.

[0077] In some embodiments, the colorimetric output PCO can be produced within 5 minutes after the composition CC is placed in contact with the target particle. In some embodiments, the colorimetric output PCO can be produced within 1 second to 5 minutes after the composition CC is placed in contact with the target particle. In some embodiments, the colorimetric output PCO can be produced within about 10 seconds to about 2.0 minutes after the composition CC is placed in contact with the target particle. In some embodiments, the colorimetric output PCO can be produced within about 30 seconds to about 1.0 minute after the composition CC is placed in contact with the target particle. In some embodiments, the colorimetric output PCO can be produced within about 5 seconds, about 6 seconds, about 7 seconds, about 8 seconds, about 9 seconds, about 10 seconds, about 20 seconds, about 30 seconds, about 40 seconds, about 50 seconds, about 1 minute, about 1.5 minutes, about 2.0 minutes, about 2.5 minutes, or about 3.0 minutes after the composition CC is placed in contact with the target particle. The rapid production of the colorimetric output PCO allows users to quickly ascertain the presence of the target particle.Attorney Docket No. 1220-003-01WO

[0078] Although the compositions are described above as producing (or causing production of) colorimetric outputs that can be visually read and interpreted when viewed in ambient (or white light) conditions, in other embodiments, the compositions and kits described herein can produce colorimetric output that can be read by an instrument that employs spectroscopy techniques. Similarly stated, in some embodiments, a method can include evaluating a colorimetric output produced by (or facilitated by) any of the compositions described herein using a spectroscopy instrument. Such instruments can include a UV-vis spectroscopy instrument, which can expose the colorimetric output to an incident light having a wavelength that is within the ultraviolet or visible range (e.g., between about 100 nanometers and about 900 nanometers) and then evaluating the light absorbance of the colorimetric output. In some embodiments, such instruments can include a UV-vis spectroscopy instrument, which can expose the colorimetric output to an incident light having a wavelength that is about 50 nanometers, about 60 nanometers, about 70 nanometers, about 80 nanometers, about 90 nanometers, about 100 nanometers, about 150 nanometers, about 200 nanometers, about 250 nanometers, about 300 nanometers, about 350 nanometers, about 400 nanometers, about 450 nanometers, about 500 nanometers, about 550 nanometers, about 600 nanometers, about 650 nanometers, about 700 nanometers, about 750 nanometers, about 800 nanometers, about 850 nanometers, about 900 nanometers, about 950 nanometers, or about 1000 nanometers, and then evaluating the light absorbance of the colorimetric output. In this manner, a spike portion of the absorbance spectrum can be identified (i.e., a peak wavelength of absorption) and used to identify whether a target particle is present. In this manner, the colorimetric output can be “read” both visually (i.e., via the naked eye) or by an instrument. Additionally, the compositions, kits and methods described herein can be used to detect multiple different target particles (e.g., uranium and plutonium) by producing different colorimetric outputs for the different target particles. The different colorimetric outputs can have different peak wavelengths of absorption when analyzed using a spectroscopy instrument, thus allowing for particles of different types (e.g., uranium, plutonium, americium) to be detected.

[0079] For example, referring to FIG. 4, the colorimetric output PCO is characterized by an identifying absorption spike portion SP in response to exposure to an incident light (e.g., a light source of a spectroscopy instrument, which can have a wavelength between about 100 nanometers and 900 nanometers). In other words, the colorimetric output PCO can, in some embodiments, beAttorney Docket No. 1220-003-01WO represented by a signature descriptive of the absorption spectrum when exposed to incident light. The identifying spike portion SP has a wavelength WL (i.e., a peak absorbance wavelength) that corresponds to the composition on a condition that the composition is in contact with a target particle. The identifying spike portion SP has a maximal magnitude MM at the wavelength WL. The wavelength WL of the identifying spike portion SP can vary depending on the type of target particle that is in contact with the composition. In other words, the wavelength WL of the identifying spike portion SP corresponds to the energy state of the Br-PADAP due to the interaction with the target particle. Therefore, the wavelength WL of the spike portion SP can be indicative of the presence of a particular molecule in contact with the composition CC. For example, in some embodiments, the target particle can be uranium and the wavelength of the spike portion can be between about 200 nanometers and about 850 nanometers. In some embodiments, the target particle can be uranium and the wavelength of the spike portion can be about 150 nanometers, about 200 nanometers, about 250 nanometers, about 300 nanometers, about 350 nanometers, about 400 nanometers, about 450 nanometers, about 500 nanometers, about 550 nanometers, about 600 nanometers, about 650 nanometers, about 700 nanometers, about 750 nanometers, about 800 nanometers, about 850 nanometers, or about 900 nanometers. The wavelength of the identifying absorbance spike portion SP can correspond to a wavelength that is associated with uranium in contact with the composition CC. The association of the wavelength of the spike portion SP to a particular molecule can, for example, be based on previously recorded experimental and / or observational data.

[0080] In some embodiments, the composition can be in contact with more than one type of target particle. In such conditions, as depicted in FIG. 5, the colorimetric output PCO can have a first identifying absorption spike portion SPi in response to exposure to an incident light (e.g., a light source of a spectroscopy instrument, which can have a wavelength between about 100 nanometers and 900 nanometers). The first identifying spike portion SPi has a first wavelength WLi (i.e., a first peak absorbance wavelength) that corresponds to a first target particle (i.e., a first elemental target particle). The first spike portion SPi can have a first maximal magnitude MMi at the first wavelength WLi. The colorimetric output PCO can also have a second identifying absorption spike portion SP2. The second identifying spike portion SP2 has a second wavelength WL2 (i.e., a second peak absorbance wavelength) that corresponds to a second target particle (i.e.,Attorney Docket No. 1220-003-01WO a second elemental target particle that is different than the first target particle). The second spike portion SP2 can have a second maximal magnitude MM2 at the second wavelength WL2. Accordingly, each target particle in contact with the composition CC can be identified by the respective identifying absorption spike portions.

[0081] By providing an intense colorimetric output, the compositions CC described herein can allow for detection of low amounts of target particles. For example, in some embodiments, the target particle is uranium. On a condition that the composition CC is in contact with at least 2.4xl0’6grams of the uranium, the colorimetric output PCO is produced. Similarly, on a condition that the uranium is in a target particle solution, the colorimetric output can be produced at a concentration of 1 part-per-million or greater. In other words, any concentration of the uranium in the target particle solution greater than 1 part-per-million results in the production of the colorimetric output. On a condition in which the composition CC is in contact with uranium, the colorimetric output PCO can, for example, be a shade of purple when viewed under a white light. The shade of purple can be defined and / or described using values generated via a raster graphics editor (e.g., photo editing software). For example, the shade of purple can optionally be defined by the RGB values (such as 62,26,28), by the CMYK values (such as 49,80,69,70), and by CIE values (such as 7.65, 13.66, -0.4 or 14.66, 17.82, 6.93). Additional values can also be used to further define and / or describe the shade of purple, such as a hue of 357 degrees, saturation of 50%, and a balance of 24%. It should be appreciated that shade of the colorimetric output PCO can vary depending on the form (e.g., compound) of the uranium.

[0082] In some embodiments, the target particle can be plutonium. On a condition that the composition CC is in contact with at least 2.4xl0'6grams of the plutonium, the colorimetric output PCO is produced. Similarly, on a condition that the plutonium is in a target particle solution, the colorimetric output can be produced at a concentration of 1 part-per-million or greater. In other words, any concentration of the plutonium in the target particle solution greater than 1 part-per-million results in the production of the colorimetric output PCO.

[0083] In some embodiments, the target particle is americium. On a condition that the composition CC is in contact with at least 2.4xl0'6grams of the americium, the colorimetric output PCO is produced. Similarly, on a condition that the americium is in a target particle solution, theAttorney Docket No. 1220-003-01WO colorimetric output PCO can be produced at a concentration of 1 part-per-million or greater. In other words, any concentration of the americium in the target particle solution greater than 1 part-per-million results in the production of the colorimetric output PCO.

[0084] In some embodiments, the composition CC (e.g., the detection solution SD) can be included in a test kit intended for the detection of the target particle. The test kit can, for example, facilitate a determination of the presence or extent of contamination following a hostile action, an accident, and / or an industrial process via the detection of actinides, lanthanides, or other target particles with the composition CC. FIGS. 6-8 depicted a kit 1100 for the detection of a target particle and methods for the use thereof. As depicted in FIG. 6, in some embodiments, the kit 1100 include a case 1102, a portion of detection solution SD, and a collection member 1150. In some embodiments, the case 1102 can be an optional component such that the collection member 1150 can be impregnated with the detection solution SD and stored in a hermetically sealed package 1104 without necessitating the use of the case 1102. In some embodiments, the detection solution SD includes an effective amount of an intermediate solution (e.g., the intermediate solution Si depicted in FIG. 1) dissolved in water. As described above, the intermediate solution includes an effective amount of a colorimetric agent (e.g., Br-PADAP) dissolved in a non-ionic surfactant that is substantially free of organic solvents. Therefore, the kit 1100 is configured to determine the presence of a target particle via a colorimetric change on a condition that the detection solution SD is in contact with the target particle (e.g., a target actinide or lanthanide particle). In some embodiments, the target particle can be uranium, plutonium, americium, and / or a lanthanide.

[0085] As depicted in FIGS. 6-8, the collection member 1150 of the kit 1100 has a detection surface 1152 for contacting an object OBI. The object OBI to be sampled can be, for example, a structure, a man-made surface, a natural surface, a vehicle, and / or a living being. The detection surface 1152 can include coloring and / or other features that enhance the detectability of the colorimetric output PCO. For example, the detection surface 1152 can be formed with a light colored (e.g., a shade of white) background such that the colorimetric output PCO is more visible than would be the case if the detection surface 1152 were darker. In some embodiments, the collection member 1150 and / or detection surface 1152 can include a series of colorimetric indicators having a range of colors associated with a range of colors that may be produced by the colorimetric output PCO to assist the user in determining the results of the test (see also theAttorney Docket No. 1220-003-01WO colorimetric indicators 1182 described herein). For example, in some embodiments, the edge of the collection member 1150 can include a color strip having the shade of purple that corresponds to the colorimetric output PCO. In this manner, the collection member 1150 can contribute to reducing the amount of user judgment required to accurately read the test.

[0086] In some embodiments, the collection member 1150 can be a swab or cloth that is premoistened or saturated with the detection solution SD. Prior to use, the premoistened swab or cloth can be stored in a hermetically sealed package 1104. The collection member 1150 can then be removed from the hermetically sealed package 1104 to contact the object OBJ without necessitating any intervening steps.

[0087] In some embodiments, the collection member 1150 can be a dry swab or cloth supporting a portion of the detection solution SD in the solute form. In other words, the detection solution SD can be in the stored state on a condition that the collection member 1150 is sealed within the hermetically sealed package 1104. Accordingly, the kit 1100 can be considered a “dry kit” that has an absence of liquids. The absence of liquids within the kit 1100 can facilitate storage and / or transshipment of the kit 1100. Being a dry kit, the kit 1100 can advantageously support emergency response operations. In an embodiment wherein the collection member 1150 supports the detection solution SD and solute form, the collection member 1150 can be moistened contemporaneously with the use of the kit 1100 to detect the target particle. For example, a portion of water can be applied to the collection member 1150 prior to contact with the object OBJ to transition the detection solution SD to a test state. Alternatively, the object OBJ can be pre-wetted and the collection member 1150 can absorb a portion of the moisture from the object to transition the detection solution SD to the test state. The moist nature of the collection member 1150, whether premoistened or moistened contemporaneously with the testing, facilitates the retention of the target particle by the detection surface 1152 following contact with the object OBJ.

[0088] In some embodiments, contacting the object OBJ with the collection member 1150 includes contacting the object OBJ via a dynamic motion. The dynamic motion can include moving at least a portion of the detection surface 1152 between a first position and a second position. For example, as depicted in FIG. 7, the collection member 1150 can be brought into contact with a surface of the object (e.g., a vertical surface, a horizontal surface, and / or a surfaceAttorney Docket No. 1220-003-01WO at any other angle). Upon contact with the surface, the collection member 1150 is, in some embodiments, moved dynamically relative to the surface of the object. As depicted in FIG. 8, the dynamic movement can include moving the collection member 1150, and thus the detection surface 1152, along a path Pi (e.g., a raster path) across the surface of the object OBJ. The path Pi can be arranged so that the movement of the collection member 1150 trends in a generally upward direction as depicted in FIG. 8. This arrangement facilitates the collection of any target particles present on the surface of the object OBJ rather than the particles being displaced (e.g., falling free from the surface) in response to the pull of gravity. In some embodiments, moving the portion of the detection surface 1152 between the first position and the second position can include a rotational motion of the collection member 1150 relative to the surface of the object OBJ. The rotational motion can be used alone or in combination with a linear or curvilinear motion of the collection member 1150.

[0089] In some embodiments, the detection surface 1152 of the collection member 1150 is configured to be read by an instrument following contact with the object OBJ. For example, a preliminary result can correspond to an initial unaided observation of a visible colorimetric output PCO, and then a confirmed result can be obtained with the assistance of the instrument. Through the use of the instrument, the target particle(s) on the detection surface 1152 can be identified based at least in part on the absorbance spectrum that characterizes the colorimetric output PCO. The absorbance spectrum can be produced by any suitable instrument, such as a UV-vis spectroscopy instrument, which can expose the colorimetric output PCO to an incident light having a wavelength that is within the ultraviolet or visible range (e.g., between about 100 nanometers and about 900 nanometers) and then evaluating the light absorbance of the colorimetric output. As depicted in FIG. 4 and described above, the predetermined colorimetric output PCO is characterized by an identifying spike portion SP in response to exposure to an incident light (e.g., a light source of a spectroscopy instrument, which can have a wavelength between about 100 nanometers and 900 nanometers). In other words, the predetermined colorimetric output PCO can, in some embodiments, be represented by a signature descriptive of the absorption spectrum of the detection solution SD when exposed to incident light. The identifying spike portion SP has a wavelength WL (i.e., a peak absorbance wavelength) that corresponds to the detection solution SD on a condition that the detection solution SD is in contact with a target particle (e.g., a target actinideAttorney Docket No. 1220-003-01WO and / or transition metal). The identifying spike portion SP has a maximal magnitude MM at the wavelength WL. The wavelength WL of the identifying spike portion SP can vary depending on the type of target particle that is in contact with the composition. In other words, the wavelength WL of the identifying spike portion SP corresponds to the energy state of the Br-P DAP due to the interaction with the target particle. Therefore, the wavelength WL of the spike portion SP can be indicative of the presence of a particular molecule in contact with the detection solution SD.

[0090] As depicted in FIG. 6, in some embodiments the kit 1100 can include a preservation container 1170. The preservation container 1170 is configured to receive the collection member 1150 following contact with the object OBJ (FIGS. 7 and 8). In some embodiments, the preservation container 1170 includes an observation portion 1172. The observation portion 1172 can be a transparent portion of the preservation container 1170 that is positioned to facilitate viewing of the predetermined colorimetric output PCO on the detection surface 1152 on a condition that the collection member 1150 is positioned within the preservation container 1170. In some embodiments, the preservation container 1170 can include an opaque or colored portion surrounding the observation portion 1172 to “frame” or accentuate viewing the colorimetric output PCO via the observation portion. In some embodiments, the preservation container 1170 can include a series of colorimetric indicators that facilitate the detection and interpretation of the colorimetric output PCO to assist the user in determining the results of the test of the types described herein for the collection member 1150. The preservation container 1170 can include a destructible seal (not shown) configured to hermetically seal the collection member 1150 within the preservation container 1170 and to provide a tamper indication upon disruption.

[0091] Referring still to FIG. 6, in some embodiments the kit 1100 includes an instruction sheet 1180 (e.g., an instruction card). The instruction sheet 1180 can include printed instructions directing the proper usage of the collection member 1150 and the detection solution SD to detect the target particle. The instruction sheet 1180 can also include a set of colorimetric indicators 1182. The colorimetric indicators 1182 correspond to positive and negative colorimetric results under white light. In some embodiments, the instruction sheet 1180 can be combined with (e.g., printed on the package 1104 and / or the case 1102.Attorney Docket No. 1220-003-01WO

[0092] In some embodiments, the composition CC (e.g., the detection solution SD) can be included in a test kit intended for the detection of the target particle. The test kit can, for example, facilitate a determination of the presence or extent of contamination following a hostile action, an accident, and / or an industrial process via the detection of actinides, lanthanides, or other target particles with the composition CC. FIGS. 9-10 depicted a kit 2100 for the detection of a target particle and methods for the use thereof. As depicted in FIG. 9, in some embodiments, the kit 2100 include a case 2102, a portion of detection solution SD contained within a container 2110, and a collection member 2150. In some embodiments, the detection solution SD includes an effective of an intermediate solution (e.g., the intermediate solution Si depicted in FIG. 1) dissolved in water. As described above, the intermediate solution includes an effective amount of a colorimetric agent (e.g., Br-PADAP) dissolved in a non-ionic surfactant that is substantially free of organic solvents. Therefore, the kit 2100 is configured to determine the presence of a target particle via a colorimetric change on a condition that the detection solution SD is in contact with the target particle (e g., a target actinide or lanthanide particle). In some embodiments, the target particle can be uranium, plutonium, americium, and / or a lanthanide.

[0093] As depicted in FIGS. 9 and 10, the collection member 2150 of the kit 2100 has a detection surface 2152 for contacting an object OBJ (FIGS. 7 and 8). The object OBJ to be sampled can be, for example, a structure, a man-made surface, a natural surface, a vehicle, and / or a living being. The detection surface 2152 can include coloring and / or other features that enhance the detectability of the colorimetric output PCO. For example, the detection surface 2152 can be formed with a light colored (e.g., a shade of white) background such that the colorimetric output PCO is more visible than would be the case if the detection surface 2152 were darker. In some embodiments, the collection member 2150 and / or detection surface 2152 can include a series of colorimetric indicators having a range of colors associated with a range of colors that may be produced by the colorimetric output PCO to assist the user in determining the results of the test (see also the colorimetric indicators 2182 described herein). For example, in some embodiments, the edge of the collection member 2150 can include a color strip having the shade of purple that corresponds to the colorimetric output PCO. In this manner, the collection member 2150 can contribute to reducing the amount of user judgment required to accurately read the test.Attorney Docket No. 1220-003-01WO

[0094] The detection surface 2152 is configured to retain the target particle following contact with the object OBJ. Therefore, in some embodiments, the collection member 2150 can be an electrostatic cloth. The electrostatic cloth can have a negative charge that attracts and / or retains the target particle. In some embodiments, the collection member 2150 can be a swab that is premoistened with water or with a portion of the detection solution SD. Prior to use, the collection member 2050 can be stored in a hermetically sealed package 2104. The collection member 2150 can be removed from the hermetically sealed package 2104 to contact the object OBJ. In some embodiments, the collection member 2150 can be a dry swab configured to be moistened contemporaneously with the use of the kit 2100 to detect the target particle. Therefore, the kit 2100 in some embodiments, includes a portion of water W. The portion of the water W can be applied to the dry swab to moisten the dry swab prior to contact with the object OBJ. In some embodiments, the dry swab is configured to receive a portion of the detection solution SD prior to contact with the object OBJ. The moist nature of the swab, whether premoistened or moistened contemporaneously with the testing, facilitates the retention of the target particle by the detection surface 2152 following contact with the object OBJ.

[0095] In some embodiments, contacting the object OBJ with the collection member 2150 includes contacting the object OBJ via a dynamic motion. The dynamic motion can include moving at least a portion of the detection surface 2152 between a first position and a second position. For example, the collection member 2150 can be brought into contact with a surface of the object (e.g., a vertical surface, a horizontal surface, and / or a surface at any other angle) (such as depicted in FIG. 7 with reference to the collection member 1150). Upon contact with the surface, the collection member 2150 is, in some embodiments, moved dynamically relative to the surface of the object. The dynamic movement can include moving the collection member 2150, and thus the detection surface 2152, along a path (e.g., a raster path) across the surface of the object OBJ. The path can be arranged so that the movement of the collection member 2150 trends in a generally upward direction. This arrangement facilitates the collection of any target particles present on the surface of the object OBJ rather than the particles being displaced (e.g., falling free from the surface) in response to the pull of gravity. In some embodiments, moving the portion of the detection surface 2152 between the first position and the second position can include a rotational motion of the collection member 2150 relative to the surface of the object OBJ. TheAttorney Docket No. 1220-003-01WO rotational motion can be used alone or in combination with a linear or curvilinear motion of the collection member 2150.

[0096] As depicted in FIGS. 9 and 10, in some embodiments, the container 2110 includes a delivery member 2112. The delivery member 2112 can, for example, be a dosing portion, an atomization mechanism, a dropper, a pipette, a porous applicator, or other mechanism for dispensing a portion of the detection solution SD contained within the container 2110. The delivery member 2112 is configured to convey a portion of the detection solution SD onto the detection surface 2152. On a condition that the detection solution SD is in contact with the target particle, a colorimetric output PCO is produced on the detection surface 2152. In some embodiments, the colorimetric output PCO is maintained (e.g., is visible and / or detectable on the detection surface 2152) for at least 24 hours.

[0097] In some embodiments, the delivery member 2112 can be a spray apparatus configured to atomize a portion of the detection solution SD for delivery. The atomized portion of the detection solution SD (e.g., an atomized portion of the composition CC) can be conveyed onto the detection surface 2152 of the collection member 2150. In some embodiments, the detection surface 2152 can be moistened via the atomized portion of the detection solution SD prior to contact with the surface of the object OBJ. The detection solution SD can then be brought into contact with the target particle via the contact between the collection member 2150 and the surface to be tested. On a condition that the target particle is retained by the detection surface 2152, the predetermined colorimetric output PCO can be observed following the separation of the collection member 2150 from the surface. As depicted in FIG. 10, however, in some embodiments the atomized portion of the detection solution SD can be conveyed to the detection surface 2152 following contact between the detection surface 2152 and the surface. This conveyance of the detection solution SD results in the production of the predetermined colorimetric output PCO on a condition that the target particle is present on the detection surface 2152 following the contact with the surface.

[0098] In some embodiments, the detection solution SD can be conveyed directly onto the object to be tested. For example, an atomized portion of the detection solution SD can be conveyed onto the object via the delivery member 2112 configured as a spray apparatus. In such embodiments, the portion of the detection solution is conveyed onto the detection surface via theAttorney Docket No. 1220-003-01WO contacting of the object OBJ with the detection surface 2152. The predetermined colorimetric output PCO can then be detected (e.g., observed) on the detection surface 2152 following contact between the collection member 2150 and the surface of the object OBJ.

[0099] In some embodiments, conveying the detection solution SD directly onto the object to be tested can result in at least traces of the predetermined colorimetric output PCO being observable on the surface of the object OBJ even after contact with the collection member 2150. The detectability of the traces of the predetermined colorimetric output PCO can vary depending on the color of the surface to which the detection solution SD is applied. The presence of the traces of the predetermined colorimetric output PCO is indicative that the target particle was present on the object OBJ at the time of testing. In other words, the traces of the predetermined colorimetric output PCO can indicate that the object was contaminated with an actinide at time of testing. Accordingly, the presence of the traces of the predetermined colorimetric output PCO on various objects can inform response decisions, such as the establishment of a contamination according. Similarly, conveying the detection solution SD directly onto the obj ect to be tested can leave behind at least traces corresponding to the visible color of the composition CC in the absence of the target particle. Accordingly, such negative traces indicate that the object was free from contamination in the tested region at the time of testing (e.g., a negative result). Therefore, the presence of the negative traces can inform response decisions.

[0100] In some embodiments, the delivery member 2112 is a dosing portion. The dosing portion is configured to dispense a specified portion of the detection solution SD. The dosing portion is formed such that an amount of the detection solution SD in excess of the specified portion is returned to the container 2110. Therefore, the detection solution SD can, for example, be applied to the detection surface 2152 of the collection member 2150 by depositing the portion of the detection solution SD from the dosing portion of the container 2110 (e.g., a solution container). The portion of the detection solution SD deposited from the dosing portion of the container 2110 can be accomplished following the contacting of the object with the collection member 2150. The use of a dosing portion can ensure that a sufficient but not excessive or wasteful portion of the detection solution SD is applied to the collection member 2150 thereby enhancing the accuracy of the test results while preserving a maximum number of available testing iterations per kit 2100.Attorney Docket No. 1220-003-01WO

[0101] In some embodiments, the detection surface 2152 of the collection member 2150 is configured to be read by an instrument following contact with the object OBJ. For example, a preliminary result can correspond to an initial unaided observation of a visible colorimetric output PCO, and then a confirmed result can be obtained with the assistance of the instrument. Through the use of the instrument, the target particle(s) on the detection surface 2152 can be identified based at least in part on the absorbance spectrum that characterizes the colorimetric output PCO. The absorbance spectrum can be produced by any suitable instrument, such as a UV-vis spectroscopy instrument, which can expose the colorimetric output PCO to an incident light having a wavelength that is within the ultraviolet or visible range (e.g., between about 100 nanometers and about 900 nanometers) and then evaluating the light absorbance of the colorimetric output. As depicted in FIG. 4 and described above, the predetermined colorimetric output PCO is characterized by an identifying spike portion SP in response to exposure to an incident light (e.g., a light source of a spectroscopy instrument, which can have a wavelength between about 100 nanometers and 900 nanometers). In other words, the predetermined colorimetric output PCO can, in some embodiments, be represented by a signature descriptive of the absorption spectrum of the detection solution SD when exposed to incident light. The identifying spike portion SP has a wavelength WL (i.e., a peak absorbance wavelength) that corresponds to the detection solution SD on a condition that the detection solution SD is in contact with a target particle (e.g., a target actinide and / or transition metal). The identifying spike portion SP has a maximal magnitude MM at the wavelength WL. The wavelength WL of the identifying spike portion SP can vary depending on the type of target particle that is in contact with the composition. In other words, the wavelength WL of the identifying spike portion SP corresponds to the energy state of the Br-PADAP due to the interaction with the target particle. Therefore, the wavelength WL of the spike portion SP can be indicative of the presence of a particular molecule in contact with the detection solution SD.

[0102] As depicted in FIG. 9, in some embodiments the kit 2100 can include a preservation container 2170. The preservation container 2170 is configured to receive the collection member 2150 following contact with the object OBJ (FIGS. 7 and 8). In some embodiments, the preservation container 2170 includes an observation portion 2172. The observation portion 2172 can be a transparent portion of the preservation container 2170 that is positioned to facilitate viewing of the predetermined colorimetric output PCO on the detection surface 2152 on aAttorney Docket No. 1220-003-01WO condition that the collection member 2150 is positioned within the preservation container 2170. In some embodiments, the preservation container 2170 can include an opaque or colored portion surrounding the observation portion 2172 to “frame” or accentuate viewing the colorimetric output PCO via the observation portion. In some embodiments, the preservation container 2170 can include a series of colorimetric indicators that facilitate the detection and interpretation of the colorimetric output PCO to assist the user in determining the results of the test of the types described herein for the collection member 2150. The preservation container 2170 can include a destructible seal (not shown) configured to hermetically seal the collection member 2150 within the preservation container 2170 and to provide a tamper indication upon disruption.

[0103] Referring still to FIG. 6, in some embodiments the kit 2100 includes an instruction sheet 2180 (e.g., an instruction card). The instruction sheet 2180 can include printed instructions directing the proper usage of the collection member 2150 and the detection solution SD to detect the target particle. The instruction sheet 2180 can also include a set of colorimetric indicators 2182. The colorimetric indicators 2182 correspond to positive and negative colorimetric results under white light. In some embodiments, the instruction sheet 2180 can be combined with (e.g., printed on the package 2104 and / or the case 2102.

[0104] In some embodiments, the kit 1100 or the kit 2100 can facilitate implementation of a method 40 to detect a target particle as described by the flow chart of FIG. 11. In other words, the method 40 can employ the composition to produce a colorimetric output in the presence of the target particle as described herein. It should be appreciated that the method 40 can be implemented via any of the structures and / or procedures described herein.

[0105] At 42, the method 40 includes contacting an obj ect with a collection member to transfer the target particle from the object to a detection surface of the collection member to place the target particle in contact with a detection solution. The detection solution includes an effective of an intermediate solution dissolved in water. The intermediate solution includes an effective amount of Br PADAP dissolved in a non-ionic surfactant. The non-ionic surfactant having an absence of an organic solvent. At 44, the method 40 includes observing a colorimetric output on a condition that the detection solution is in contact with the target particle on the detection surface.Attorney Docket No. 1220-003-01WO

[0106] Prior colorimetric methods for detecting uranium have utilized flammable solvents and / or have had issues with transition metal interferences. The methods, kits, systems, and compositions of the present disclosure eliminate the use of a flammable solvent and also blocks most interferences from other metals, elements, and surfaces, thereby providing for a safer, more effective way to use colorimetric detection. Prior to the present disclosure, an organic solvent (e.g., ethanol, DMSO, etc.) was always used to dissolve the 5-Br-PDAP when using it in colorimetric detection methods. According to the present disclosure, the addition of a surfactant (e.g., a non-ionic surfactant such as Triton™ X-100) to the 5-Br-PDAP and the subsequent dissolution of the 5-Br-PDAP in the surfactant occurs prior to the addition of the 5-Br-PDAP / non- ionic surfactant solution to a bulk aqueous solution. These improvements circumvent the prior problems with using 5-Br-PDAP in colorimetric detection such as interferences from many different metals and / or the flammable nature of the organic solvents that are used.

[0107] In one non-limiting example of the methods, systems, and compositions presented herein, an entirely aqueous system can be produced using a ligand (e.g., 5-Br-PADAP) for colorimetric detection by dissolving the ligand in a non-ionic surfactant with a sufficiently high cloud point temperature (e.g., Triton™ X-100) and then adding water (H2O) to produce about a 1.0 weight % stock solution of the resulting mixture of 5-Br-PADAP and the non-ionic surfactant. A quantity of that stock solution can then be added to a bulk aqueous solution to produce a ligand concentration of between about 0.015 weight % to about 0.065 weight % (e.g., 0.02 weight % to about 0.055 weight %, 0.025 weight % to about 0.05 weight %, 0.03 weight % to about 0.045 weight %, or 0.035 weight % to about 0.04 weight %). The surfactant concentration in the final solution tends to be between about 2.5 weight % to about 10.0 weight % (e.g., 3.5 weight % to about 9.5 weight %, 4.5 weight % to about 9.0 weight %, 5.0 weight % to about 8.5 weight %, 5.5 weight % to about 8.0 weight %, 6.0 weight % to about 7.5 weight %, or 6.5 weight % to about 7.0 weight %).

[0108] In addition to the surfactant and Br-PADAP, various masking agents may also needed to minimize interferences. For example, diaminocyclohexane-N,N,N',N '-tetraacetic acid monohydrate (CyDTA) can be used in a range of about 4.0 weight % to about 7.5 weight % (e.g., about 4.5 weight % to about 7.0 weight %, about 5.0 weight % to about 6.5 weight %, or about 5.5 weight % to about 6.0 weight %) as it has minimal affinity for uranium, but it does bind well withAttorney Docket No. 1220-003-01WO transition metals. To further increase the selectivity of the method, sodium fluoride (NaF) can also be added at a concentration about 1.0 weight %. EDTA can be used to mask other metals but may reduce the limit of detection for certain f-block elements (e.g., uranium).

[0109] A buffer can also be added when needed for adjusting the pH to aid in the complexation.For example, triethanolamine (TEA) can be used as the buffer in a range of 10 weight % to 15 weight % (e.g., 11-12 weight %, 12-13 weight %, 13-14 weight %, or 14-15 weight %). For example, this combination works well for uranium / thorium / lanthanide colorimetric detection.

[0110] To further minimize the interferences, additional components can be added (e.g., sulphosalisylic acid (SSA) and potassium thiosulfate (K2SO3)). These additional components can help reduce any visible responses to metals such as nickel and copper. These extra components can be kept at about 1 .0 weight %.

[0111] Although various embodiments have been described as having particular features and / or combinations of components, other embodiments are possible having a combination of any features and / or components from any of embodiments as discussed above.

[0112] The following non-limiting examples further illustrate various embodiments of the inventive subject matter described herein.Working Example 1

[0113] Seeking alternatives to dissolving 5 Br-PADAP and / or PAN in an organic solvent (e.g., ethanol, DMSO, etc.) for use in colorimetric detection of actinides in general and uranium in particular, the solubilities of 5 Br-PADAP and PAN in surfactants Triton X-l 14 and Triton X-100 were tested. PAN did not demonstrate significant solubility in either of the surfactants and was, therefore, excluded from further consideration. 5-Br-PADAP, on the other hand, demonstrated solubility at 1 wt% in Triton X-l 14, Triton X-100, and Tween 20 and was, therefore, selected for further development. Because of higher heat stability, the Triton X-100 surfactant was initially selected for further study. However, given certain undesirable environmental impacts of Triton X-100, the surfactant was switched to Tween 20. To prepare Br-PADAP in a surfactant solution,Attorney Docket No. 1220-003-01WO a quantity of dry Br-P DAP powder was weighed on a scale and added to an appropriate mass of surfactant. This solution (1 wt%) was used to prepare the lower concentration dye solutions.

[0114] Various concentrations of 5-Br-PADAP were tested, from 0.01 to 0.1 wt% to identify concentrations that demonstrated desirable characteristics. For example, a 0.025 wt% concentration was found to be particularly effective based on the solubility of the 5-Br-PADAP at the concentration, the initial color of the solution, a color response on the introduction of uranium, and a discernability of the color change when observed visually.

[0115] A challenge inherent in colorimetric testing is to ensure that the test is specific for the analyte of interest and disruptive by the presence of interferences that can lead to colorimetric changes that are not indicative of the presence of the analyte. Accordingly, efforts were focused on eliminating interferences while optimizing the sensitivity for the analyte (e.g., uranium). Based on these efforts, it was observed that cyclohexanediaminetetraacetic acid (CyDTA) prevented interferences from other metals. Additionally, CDTA demonstrated a low affinity for uranium. It was found that 5 wt% of CDTA blocked a significant portion of interferences from other metals without interfering with the desired colorimetric change in the presence of uranium.

[0116] To further suppress the undesirable interferences, other salts and chelating agents were tested and considered for the addition to the solution. Sodium fluoride and sodium thiocyanate salts along with sulphosalysilic acid demonstrated further inhibition of interferences from other metals while preserving the solution’s ability to produce the desired colorimetric change in the presence of uranium.

[0117] Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) was observed to beneficially reduce undesirable interference from zinc at lower concentrations, such as 0.95 wt%. However, EDTA was found to decrease the sensitivity of the solution to uranium when added at higher concentrations. It is theorized that this is due to EDTA complexing with uranium.

[0118] To adjust the pH to aid in the complexation, Triethanol amine (TEA) was used as a buffer. To prepare the solutions for testing, solid components were weighed on a scale and added to a volumetric flask. Once all solid components were added, the volumetric flask was then filled with a TEA solution (11.5 wt%) and stirred.Attorney Docket No. 1220-003-01WO

[0119] Following the preparation of the solution for testing, a cotton substrate was saturated with the prepared solution. The substrate was either used while still wet for testing (wet wipe) or allowed to dry (dry wipe) and then tested. The solution, the dry wipe, and the wet wipe each remain stable and viable for at least two years on a condition that each is stored in a non-reactive, hermetically sealed container or package at a temperature greater than 0°C and less than 55°C. Once removed from the hermetically sealed container or package the solution and the wet wipe remain stable and viable as a solution or a wet wipe so long as they remain in a wet state. However, upon drying following the removal from the hermetically sealed container or package, the wet wipe can transition to a dry wipe, which remains stable and viable. Due to the stability of the composition once dried, the dry wipes remain theoretically viable indefinitely once removed from the hermetically sealed container or package, though the risk of contamination of the dry wipe that can result in the degradation of the performance of the dry wipe increases with the elapsed time since the removal from the hermetically sealed container or package.

[0120] A uranium nitrate inductively coupled plasma (ICP) standard was used to determine the sensitivity of the wipes to the presence of uranium. Drops of solutions with various concentrations of uranium were placed on the dry wipes to visualize the response. Known volumes of the various uranium standard solutions were placed on trays and allowed to dry for wet wipe testing. After drying, the trays were smeared with the wet wipes and observed to detect any visible change.

[0121] Interference testing was performed using both ICP standard metals and metal powders. Drops of 1000 ppm ICP standard of common cations / metals were added to dry wipes to determine whether any color change was produced. The wet wipes were tested by smearing various metal sheets, bars, and / or powders. The wet wipes were then observed to determine whether any color change was produced. The desirable solution compositions resulted in little to no color change from other metals and a purple color change from uranium at a concentration of less than 10 pg.

[0122] Table 3 depicts multiple compositions that were experimentally tested to determine the solubility of the 5-Br-PADAP at the concentration, the initial color of the solution, a color response on the introduction of uranium, a discernability of the color change when observed visually, and an ability to effectively suppress undesirable interferences. Each of the compositions described inAttorney Docket No. 1220-003-01WOTable 3 produced a color change in the presence of uranium. However, some of the compositions lack a desirable degree of sensitivity and / or resistance to interferences.Table 3. Experimental Compositions for Uranium (U) DetectionProphetic Example 1

[0123] This is a prophetic example that is intended to demonstrate the compositions for the colorimetric detection of plutonium that include 5 Br-PADAP. Specifically, the solubility of 5- Br-PADAP at 1 wt% in Triton X-l 14, Triton X-100, and / or Tween 20 will be verified. Given the higher heat stability, the Triton X-100 surfactant, Triton X-100 can be considered a lead surfactant candidate. However, given certain undesirable environmental impacts of Triton X-100, the surfactant can alternatively be Tween 20. To prepare Br-PADAP in a surfactant solution, aAttorney Docket No. 1220-003-01WO quantity of dry Br-PADAP powder will be weighed on a scale and added to an appropriate mass of surfactant. This solution (1 wt%) will be used to prepare the lower concentration dye solutions.

[0124] Various concentrations of 5-Br-PADAP will be tested, from 0.01 to 0.1 wt% to identify concentrations that demonstrated desirable characteristics. For example, a 0.025 wt% concentration is expected to be found to be particularly effective based on the solubility of the 5- Br-PADAP at the concentration, the initial color of the solution, a color response on the introduction of plutonium, and a discernability of the color change when observed visually.

[0125] A challenge inherent in colorimetric testing is to ensure that the test is specific for the analyte of interest and disruptive by the presence of interferences that can lead to colorimetric changes that are not indicative of the presence of the analyte. Accordingly, efforts will be focused on eliminating interferences while optimizing the sensitivity for the analyte (e.g., plutonium). It is expected that cyclohexanediaminetetraacetic acid (CyDTA) will prevent interferences from other metals. Additionally, CDTA is expected to demonstrate a low affinity for plutonium. It is expected that 5 wt% of CDTA will block a significant portion of interferences from other metals without interfering with the desired colorimetric change in the presence of plutonium.

[0126] To further suppress the undesirable interferences, other salts and chelating agents will be tested and considered for the addition to the solution. Sodium fluoride and sodium thiocyanate salts along with sulphosalysilic acid are expected to demonstrate further inhibition of interferences from other metals while preserving the solution’s ability to produce the desired colorimetric change in the presence of plutonium.

[0127] Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) is expected to beneficially reduce undesirable interference from zinc at lower concentrations, such as 0.95 wt%. However, EDTA is expected to decrease the sensitivity of the solution to plutonium when added at higher concentrations due to EDTA complexing with plutonium.

[0128] To adjust the pH to aid in the complexation, Triethanol amine (TEA) will be used as a buffer. To prepare the solutions for testing, solid components will be weighed on a scale and added to a volumetric flask. Once all solid components are added, the volumetric flask will then be fdled with a TEA solution (11.5 wt%) and stirred.Attorney Docket No. 1220-003-01WO

[0129] Following the preparation of the solution for testing, a cotton substrate was saturated with the prepared solution. The substrate will either be used while still wet for testing (wet wipe) or allowed to dry (dry wipe) and then tested. The solution, the dry wipe, and the wet wipe each remain stable and viable for at least two years on a condition that each is stored in a non-reactive, hermetically sealed container or package at a temperature greater than 0°C and less than 55°C. Once removed from the hermetically sealed container or package the solution and the wet wipe remain stable and viable as a solution or a wet wipe so long as they remain in a wet state. However, upon drying following the removal from the hermetically sealed container or package, the wet wipe can transition to a dry wipe, which remains stable and viable. Due to the stability of the composition once dried, the dry wipes remain theoretically viable indefinitely once removed from the hermetically sealed container or package, though the risk of contamination of the dry wipe that can result in the degradation of the performance of the dry wipe increases with the elapsed time since the removal from the hermetically sealed container or package.

[0130] A plutonium nitrate ICP standard will be used to determine the sensitivity of the wipes to the presence of plutonium. Drops of solutions with various concentrations of plutonium will be placed on the dry wipes to visualize the response. Known volumes of the various plutonium standard solutions will be placed on trays and allowed to dry for wet wipe testing. After drying, the trays will be smeared with the wet wipes and observed to detect any visible change.

[0131] Interference testing will be performed using both ICP standard metals and metal powders. Drops of 1000 ppm ICP standard of common cations / metals will be added to dry wipes to determine whether any color change is produced. The wet wipes will be tested by smearing various metal sheets, bars, and / or powders. The wet wipes will then be observed to determine whether any color change was produced. The desirable solution compositions will result in little to no color change from other metals and a purple color change from plutonium at a concentration of less than 10 pg.

[0132] Table 4 depicts multiple prophetic compositions that will be experimentally tested to determine the solubility of the 5-Br-PADAP at the concentration, the initial color of the solution, a color response on the introduction of plutonium and, a discernability of the color change when observed visually, and an ability to effectively suppress undesirable interferences. Each of theAttorney Docket No. 1220-003-01WO compositions described in Table 4 are expected to produce a color change in the presence of plutonium. However, some of the compositions are expected to lack a desirable degree of sensitivity and / or resistance to interferences.Table 4. Prophetic Experimental Compositions for Plutonium (Pu) DetectionProphetic Example 2

[0133] This is a prophetic example that is intended to demonstrate the compositions for the colorimetric detection of americium that include 5 Br-PADAP. Specifically, the solubility of 5- Br-PADAP at 1 wt% in Triton X-l 14, Triton X-100, and / or Tween 20 will be verified. Given the higher heat stability, the Triton X-100 surfactant, Triton X-100 can be considered a lead surfactant candidate. However, given certain undesirable environmental impacts of Triton X-100, the surfactant can alternatively be Tween 20. To prepare Br-PADAP in a surfactant solution, aAttorney Docket No. 1220-003-01WO quantity of dry Br-PADAP powder will be weighed on a scale and added to an appropriate mass of surfactant. This solution (1 wt%) will be used to prepare the lower concentration dye solutions.

[0134] Various concentrations of 5-Br-PADAP will be tested, from 0.01 to 0.1 wt% to identify concentrations that demonstrated desirable characteristics. For example, a 0.025 wt% concentration is expected to be found to be particularly effective based on the solubility of the 5- Br-PADAP at the concentration, the initial color of the solution, a color response on the introduction of americium, and a discernability of the color change when observed visually.

[0135] A challenge inherent in colorimetric testing is to ensure that the test is specific for the analyte of interest and disruptive by the presence of interferences that can lead to colorimetric changes that are not indicative of the presence of the analyte. Accordingly, efforts will be focused on eliminating interferences while optimizing the sensitivity for the analyte (e g., americium). Tt is expected that cyclohexanediaminetetraacetic acid (CyDTA) will prevent interferences from other metals. Additionally, CDTA is expected to demonstrate a low affinity for americium. It is expected that 5 wt% of CDTA will block a significant portion of interferences from other metals without interfering with the desired colorimetric change in the presence of americium.

[0136] To further suppress the undesirable interferences, other salts and chelating agents will be tested and considered for the addition to the solution. Sodium fluoride and sodium thiocyanate salts along with sulphosalysilic acid are expected to demonstrate further inhibition of interferences from other metals while preserving the solution’s ability to produce the desired colorimetric change in the presence of americium.

[0137] Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) is expected to beneficially reduce undesirable interference from zinc at lower concentrations, such as 0.95 wt%. However, EDTA is expected to decrease the sensitivity of the solution to americium when added at higher concentrations due to EDTA complexing with americium.

[0138] To adjust the pH to aid in the complexation, Triethanol amine (TEA) will be used as a buffer. To prepare the solutions for testing, solid components will be weighed on a scale and added to a volumetric flask. Once all solid components are added, the volumetric flask will then be filled with a TEA solution (11.5 wt%) and stirred.Attorney Docket No. 1220-003-01WO

[0139] Following the preparation of the solution for testing, a cotton substrate was saturated with the prepared solution. The substrate will either be used while still wet for testing (wet wipe) or allowed to dry (dry wipe) and then tested. The solution, the dry wipe, and the wet wipe each remain stable and viable for at least two years on a condition that each is stored in a non-reactive, hermetically sealed container or package at a temperature greater than 0°C and less than 55°C. Once removed from the hermetically sealed container or package the solution and the wet wipe remain stable and viable as a solution or a wet wipe so long as they remain in a wet state. However, upon drying following the removal from the hermetically sealed container or package, the wet wipe can transition to a dry wipe, which remains stable and viable. Due to the stability of the composition once dried, the dry wipes remain theoretically viable indefinitely once removed from the hermetically sealed container or package, though the risk of contamination of the dry wipe that can result in the degradation of the performance of the dry wipe increases with the elapsed time since the removal from the hermetically sealed container or package.

[0140] An americium nitrate ICP standard will be used to determine the sensitivity of the wipes to the presence of americium. Drops of solutions with various concentrations of americium will be placed on the dry wipes to visualize the response. Known volumes of the various americium standard solutions will be placed on trays and allowed to dry for wet wipe testing. After drying, the trays will be smeared with the wet wipes and observed to detect any visible change.

[0141] Interference testing will be performed using both ICP standard metals and metal powders. Drops of 1000 ppm ICP standard of common cations / metals will be added to dry wipes to determine whether any color change is produced. The wet wipes will be tested by smearing various metal sheets, bars, and / or powders. The wet wipes will then be observed to determine whether any color change was produced. The desirable solution compositions will result in little to no color change from other metals and a purple color change from americium at a concentration of less than 10 pg.

[0142] Table 5 depicts multiple prophetic compositions that will be experimentally tested to determine the solubility of the 5-Br-PADAP at the concentration, the initial color of the solution, a color response on the introduction of americium and, a discernability of the color change when observed visually, and an ability to effectively suppress undesirable interferences. Each of theAttorney Docket No. 1220-003-01WO compositions described in Table 5 are expected to produce a color change in the presence of americium. However, some of the compositions are expected to lack a desirable degree of sensitivity and / or resistance to interferences.Table 5. Prophetic Experimental Compositions for Americium (Am) DetectionProphetic Example 3

[0143] This is a prophetic example that is intended to demonstrate the compositions for the colorimetric detection of actinides that are neither uranium, plutonium, nor americium. The compositions include 5 Br-PADAP. Specifically, the solubility of 5-Br-PADAP at 1 wt% in Triton X-l 14, Triton X-100, and / or Tween 20 will be verified. Given the higher heat stability, the Triton X-100 surfactant, Triton X-100 can be considered a lead surfactant candidate. However, given certain undesirable environmental impacts of Triton X-100, the surfactant can alternatively beAttorney Docket No. 1220-003-01WOTween 20. To prepare Br-PADAP in a surfactant solution, a quantity of dry Br-PADAP powder will be weighed on a scale and added to an appropriate mass of surfactant. This solution (1 wt%) will be used to prepare the lower concentration dye solutions.

[0144] Various concentrations of 5-Br-PADAP will be tested, from 0.01 to 0.1 wt% to identify concentrations that demonstrated desirable characteristics. For example, a 0.025 wt% concentration is expected to be found to be particularly effective based on the solubility of the 5- Br-PADAP at the concentration, the initial color of the solution, a color response on the introduction of detection of actinides that are neither uranium, plutonium, nor americium, and a discemability of the color change when observed visually.

[0145] A challenge inherent in colorimetric testing is to ensure that the test is specific for the analyte of interest and disruptive by the presence of interferences that can lead to colorimetric changes that are not indicative of the presence of the analyte. Accordingly, efforts will be focused on eliminating interferences while optimizing the sensitivity for the actinides that are neither uranium, plutonium, nor americium. It is expected that cyclohexanediaminetetraacetic acid (CyDTA) will prevent interferences from other metals. Additionally, CDTA is expected to demonstrate a low affinity for actinides that are neither uranium, plutonium, nor americium. It is expected that 5 wt% of CDTA will block a significant portion of interferences from other metals without interfering with the desired colorimetric change in the presence of an actinide that is neither uranium, plutonium, nor americium.

[0146] To further suppress the undesirable interferences, other salts and chelating agents will be tested and considered for the addition to the solution. Sodium fluoride and sodium thiocyanate salts along with sulphosalysilic acid are expected to demonstrate further inhibition of interferences from other metals while preserving the solution’s ability to produce the desired colorimetric change in the presence of an actinide that is neither uranium, plutonium, nor americium.

[0147] Ethylenedi aminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) is expected to beneficially reduce undesirable interference from zinc at lower concentrations, such as 0.95 wt%. However, EDTA is expected to decrease the sensitivity of the solution to an actinide that is neither uranium, plutonium, nor americium when added at higher concentrations due to EDTA complexing with the actinide that is neither uranium, plutonium, nor americium.Attorney Docket No. 1220-003-01WO

[0148] To adjust the pH to aid in the complexation, Triethanol amine (TEA) will be used as a buffer. To prepare the solutions fortesting, solid components will be weighed on a scale and added to a volumetric flask. Once all solid components are added, the volumetric flask will then be filled with a TEA solution (11.5 wt%) and stirred.

[0149] Following the preparation of the solution for testing, a cotton substrate will the saturated with the prepared solution. The substrate will either be used while still wet for testing (wet wipe) or allowed to dry (dry wipe) and then tested. The solution, the dry wipe, and the wet wipe each remain stable and viable for at least two years on a condition that each is stored in a non-reactive, hermetically sealed container or package at a temperature greater than 0°C and less than 55°C. Once removed from the hermetically sealed container or package the solution and the wet wipe remain stable and viable as a solution or a wet wipe so long as they remain in a wet state. However, upon drying following the removal from the hermetically sealed container or package, the wet wipe can transition to a dry wipe, which remains stable and viable. Due to the stability of the composition once dried, the dry wipes remain theoretically viable indefinitely once removed from the hermetically sealed container or package, though the risk of contamination of the dry wipe that can result in the degradation of the performance of the dry wipe increases with the elapsed time since the removal from the hermetically sealed container or package.

[0150] An actinide nitrate ICP standard that is neither a uranium, plutonium, nor americium nitrate ICP standard will be used to determine the sensitivity of the wipes to the presence of actinides that are neither uranium, plutonium, nor americium. Drops of solutions with various concentrations of actinides that are neither uranium, plutonium, nor americium will be placed on the dry wipes to visualize the response. Known volumes of the various actinides that are neither uranium, plutonium, nor americium standard solutions will be placed on trays and allowed to dry for wet wipe testing. After drying, the trays will be smeared with the wet wipes and observed to detect any visible change.

[0151] Interference testing will be performed using both ICP standard metals and metal powders. Drops of 1000 ppm ICP standard of common cations / metals will be added to dry wipes to determine whether any color change is produced. The wet wipes will be tested by smearing various metal sheets, bars, and / or powders. The wet wipes will then be observed to determineAttorney Docket No. 1220-003-01WO whether any color change was produced. The desirable solution compositions will result in little to no color change from other metals and a purple color change from an actinide that is neither uranium, plutonium, nor americium at a concentration of less than 10 pg.

[0152] Table 6 depicts multiple prophetic compositions that will be experimentally tested to determine the solubility of the 5-Br-PADAP at the concentration, the initial color of the solution, a color response on the introduction of actinides that are neither uranium, plutonium, nor americium, a discernability of the color change when observed visually, and an ability to effectively suppress undesirable interferences. Each of the compositions described in Table 6 are expected to produce a color change in the presence of actinides that are neither uranium, plutonium, nor americium. However, some of the compositions are expected to lack a desirable degree of sensitivity and / or resistance to interferences.Table 6. Prophetic Experimental Compositions for the Detection of Actinides that are Neither Uranium, Plutonium, nor AmericiumAttorney Docket No. 1220-003-01WOFurther Numbered Embodiments of the Disclosure

[0153] Other subject matter contemplated by the present disclosure is set out in the following numbered embodiments:1. A composition for detection of a target particle, comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of: an effective amount of 2-(5-Bromo-2-pyridylazo)-5-(diethylamino)phenol (Br-PADAP); and an effective amount of a non-ionic surfactant, wherein the composition does not include an organic solvent; and wherein on a condition that the composition is in contact with the target particle, a colorimetric output is produced.2. The composition of embodiment 1, wherein: the target particle is one of a lanthanide or an actinide.3. The composition of any preceding embodiment, wherein: the non-ionic surfactant is a liquid; the non-ionic surfactant that has a cloud point temperature that is greater than 25 degrees Celsius; and the Br-PADAP is dissolved in the non-ionic surfactant such that the composition is a solution.4. The composition of any preceding embodiment, wherein: the non-ionic surfactant is a liquid having a viscosity in a range of about 150 centipoise to about 1000 centipoise at a temperature in a range of about 20 to about 24 degrees Celsius.5. The composition of any preceding embodiment, wherein:Attorney Docket No. 1220-003-01WO the effective amount of Br-PADAP is in a range of about 0.5% to about 2.0% by weight of the composition; and the effective amount of the non-ionic surfactant is in a range of about 98.0% to about 99.5% by weight of the composition.6. The composition of any preceding embodiment, wherein: the non-ionic surfactant is octylphenol decaethylene glycol ether.7. The composition of any preceding embodiment, wherein: the non-ionic surfactant is a liquid; the Br-PADAP is dissolved in the non-ionic surfactant liquid to form an intermediate solution; and the intermediate solution is dissolved in water to form a detection solution.8. The composition of any preceding embodiment, wherein: the intermediate solution is in a range of about 1.0% to about 5.0% by weight of the detection solution; and the effective amount of Br-PADAP is in a range of about 0.005% to about 1.1% by weight of the detection solution.9. The composition of any preceding embodiment, wherein: the detection solution has a viscosity that is less than a viscosity of the intermediate solution.10. The composition of any preceding embodiment, wherein: neither the intermediate solution nor the detection solution is flammable.11. The composition of any preceding embodiment, further comprising: an effective amount of a chelating agent, the chelating agent being reactive with a metal that is neither a lanthanide nor an actinide.Attorney Docket No. 1220-003-01WO12. The composition of any preceding embodiment, wherein: the chelating agent is diaminocyclohexane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid monohydrate (CyDTA).13. The composition of any preceding embodiment, wherein: the effective amount of the chelating agent is in a range of about 1.0% to about 10.0% by weight of the detection solution.14. The composition of any preceding embodiment, wherein: the chelating agent includes at least two electron-donor atoms; a distance between the at least two electron-donor atoms defines a maximal particle size for chelation; and the target particle has a size that is greater than the distance between the at least two electron-donor atoms.15. The composition of any preceding embodiment, further comprising: an effective amount of a selectivity agent, the selectivity agent being configured to establish a neutral charge state of the detection solution.16. The composition of any preceding embodiment, wherein: the effective amount of the selectivity agent is in a range of about 0.5% to about 3.0% by weight of the detection solution.17. The composition of any preceding embodiment, wherein: the selectivity agent is an anion.18. The composition of any preceding embodiment, wherein: the selectivity agent is sodium fluoride.19. The composition of any preceding embodiment, further comprising:Attorney Docket No. 1220-003-01WO an effective amount of a buffer agent, the buffer agent increases a pH of the detection solution to establish the detection solution in an alkaline state.20. The composition of any preceding embodiment, wherein: the effective amount of the buffer agent is in a range of about 10.0% to about 15.0% by weight of the detection solution.21. The composition of any preceding embodiment, wherein: the buffer agent is triethanolamine.22. The composition of any preceding embodiment, further comprising: an effective amount of at least one counter-interference agent, the at least one counter-interference agent being reactive with a metal that is neither a lanthanide nor an actinide.23. The composition of any preceding embodiment, wherein: the effective amount of the at least one counter-interference agent is in a range of about 0.5% to about 3.0% by weight of the detection solution.24. The composition of any preceding embodiment, wherein: the at least one counter-interference agent is a first counter-interference agent; the first counter-interference agent is a metal chelating agent; the effective amount of the first counter-interference agent is in a range of about 0.5% to about 3.0% by weight of the detection solution; the detection solution further comprising an effective amount of a second counter-interference agent; the second counter-interference agent is a non-chelating agent; and the effective amount of the second counter-interference agent is in a range of about 0.5% to about 3.0% by weight of the detection solution.25. The composition of any preceding embodiment, wherein: the first counter-interference agent is sulphosalisylic acid; andAttorney Docket No. 1220-003-01WO the second counter-interference agent is potassium thiosulfate.26. The composition of any preceding embodiment, further comprising: an effective amount of a dye-fixative agent, the dye-fixative agent being configured to maintain the colorimetric output for at least a desired display interval.27. The composition of any preceding embodiment, wherein: the effective amount of the dye-fixative agent is in a range of about 0.1% to about 10.0% by weight of the detection solution.28. The composition of any preceding embodiment, wherein: the dye-fixative agent is gum arabic.29. The composition of any preceding embodiment, wherein: the detection solution has a solute form in a stored state; and the solute form is configured to receive a liquid to transition to a test state.30. The composition of any preceding embodiment, wherein: the target particle is one of uranium, plutonium, or americium.31. The composition of any preceding embodiment, wherein: the target particle is uranium; the colorimetric output is characterized by an identifying absorbance spike portion in response to exposure to an incident light having a wavelength between about 200 nanometers and about 850 nanometers; and a wavelength of the identifying absorbance spike portion corresponds to a wavelength associated with the uranium in contact with the composition.32. The composition of any preceding embodiment, wherein: the colorimetric output is a visible shade of purple under a white light.Attorney Docket No. 1220-003-01WO33. The composition of any preceding embodiment, wherein: on condition that the uranium is in a target particle solution, the colorimetric output is produced at a concentration of the uranium in the target particle solution of 1 part-per-million or greater.34. The composition of any preceding embodiment, wherein: the colorimetric output is produced on a condition that the composition is in contact with at least 2.4 xlO'6grams of the uranium.35. The composition of any preceding embodiment, wherein: the target particle is plutonium; the colorimetric output is characterized by an identifying absorbance spike portion in response to exposure to an incident light having a wavelength between about 200 nanometers and about 850 nanometers; and a wavelength of the identifying absorbance spike portion corresponds to a wavelength associated with the plutonium in contact with the composition.36. The composition of any preceding embodiment, wherein: on condition that the plutonium is in a target particle solution, the colorimetric output is produced at a concentration of the plutonium in the target particle solution of about 1 part-per-million or greater.37. The composition of any preceding embodiment, wherein: the colorimetric output is produced on a condition that the composition is in contact with at least 2.4 xlO'6grams of the plutonium.38. The composition of any preceding embodiment, wherein: the target particle is americium; the colorimetric output is characterized by an identifying absorbance spike portion in response to exposure to an incident light having a wavelength between about 200 nanometers and about 850 nanometers; andAttorney Docket No. 1220-003-01WO a wavelength of the identifying absorbance spike portion corresponds to a wavelength associated with the americium in contact with the composition.39. The composition of any preceding embodiment, wherein: on condition that the americium is in a target particle solution, the colorimetric output is produced at a concentration of the americium in the target particle solution of about 1 part-per-million or greater.40. The composition of any preceding embodiment, wherein: the colorimetric output is produced on a condition that the composition is in contact with at least 2.4 xlO'6grams of the americium.41 . The composition of any preceding embodiment, wherein: the composition is for detection of a plurality of target particles, the target particle being a first target particle of the plurality of target particles; the colorimetric output is characterized by a first identifying absorbance spike portion in response to exposure to an incident light having a wavelength between about 200 nanometers and about 850 nanometers, the first identifying absorbance spike portion having a wavelength that is associated with the first target particle; and the colorimetric output is characterized by a second identifying absorbance spike portion in response to exposure to the incident light, the second identifying absorbance spike portion having a wavelength that is associated with a second target particle of the plurality of target particles.42. The composition of any preceding embodiment, wherein: the colorimetric output is maintained for at least 24 hours.43. A method of manufacturing a composition configured to produce a colorimetric output on contact with a target particle, the method comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of:Attorney Docket No. 1220-003-01WO dissolving an effective amount of 2-(5-Bromo-2-pyridylazo)-5-(diethylamino)phenol (Br-PADAP) in an effective amount of a non-ionic surfactant to form an intermediate solution, the non-ionic surfactant being devoid of any organic solvent; and dissolving the intermediate solution in a portion of water to form a detection solution.44. The method of embodiment 43, wherein: the effective amount of Br-PADAP is in a range of about 0.5% to about 2.0% by weight of the intermediate solution; and the intermediate solution is in a range of about 1.0% to about 5.0% by weight of the detection solution.45. The method of any of embodiments 43-44, wherein: the detection solution has a viscosity that is less than a viscosity of the intermediate solution.46. The method of any of embodiments 43-45, wherein: neither the intermediate solution nor the detection solution are flammable.47. The method of any of embodiments 43-46, further comprising: dissolving an effective amount of a chelating agent in the detection solution, the chelating agent being reactive with a metal that is neither a lanthanide nor an actinide.48. The method of any of embodiments 43-47, wherein: the effective amount of the chelating agent is in a range of about 1.0% to about 10.0% by weight of the detection solution.49. The method of any of embodiments 43-48, further comprising: establishing a neutral charge state of the detection solution by dissolving an effective amount of a selectivity agent in the detection solution.50. The method of any of embodiments 43-49, wherein:Attorney Docket No. 1220-003-01WO the effective amount of the selectivity agent is in a range of about 0.5% to about 3.0% by weight of the detection solution.51. The method of any of embodiments 43-50, further comprising: establishing a pH of the detection solution in an alkaline state by dissolving an effective amount of a buffer agent in the detection solution.52. The method of any of embodiments 43-51, wherein: the effective amount of the buffer agent is in a range of about 10.0% to about 15.0% by weight of the detection solution.53. The method of any of embodiments 43-52, further comprising: dissolving an effective amount of at least one counter-interference agent, the at least one counter-interference agent being reactive with a metal that is neither a lanthanide nor an actinide.54. The method of any of embodiments 43-53, wherein: the effective amount of the at least one counter-interference agent is in a range of about 0.5% to about 3.0% by weight of the detection solution.55. The method of any of embodiments 43-54, further comprising: dissolving an effective amount of a dye-fixative agent, the dye-fixative agent being configured to maintain the colorimetric output for at least a desired display interval.56. The method of any of embodiments 43-55, wherein: the effective amount of the dye-fixative agent is in a range of about 10.0% to about 20.0% by weight of the detection solution.57. The method of any of embodiments 43-56, further comprising: transitioning the detection solution to a stored state by reducing the detection solution to a solute form, solute form being configured to receive a liquid to transition to a test state.Attorney Docket No. 1220-003-01WO58. A kit for detection of a presence of a target particle on an object, comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of: a detection solution including an effective of an intermediate solution dissolved in water, the intermediate solution including an effective amount of 2-(5-Bromo-2-pyridylazo)-5-(diethylamino)phenol (Br-PADAP) dissolved in a non-ionic surfactant, the non-ionic surfactant having an absence of an organic solvent; and a collection member having a detection surface for contacting the object to a portion of the detection solution in contact with the target particle, on a condition that the detection solution is in contact with the target particle, a colorimetric output is produced on the detection surface.59. The kit of embodiment 58, wherein: the target particle is one of uranium, plutonium, or americium.60. The kit of any of embodiments 58-59, wherein: the target particle is uranium; and the colorimetric output is a visible shade of purple on the detection surface.61. The kit of any of embodiments 58-60, wherein: the uranium is present on the detection surface at a concentration of at least 0.022 g / m2.62. The kit of any of embodiments 58-61, wherein: the target particle is plutonium; and the plutonium is present on the detection surface at a concentration of at least 0.023 g / m2.63. The kit of any of embodiments 58-62, wherein: the target particle is americium; and the americium is present on the detection surface at a concentration of at least 0.023 g / m2.64. The kit of any of embodiments 58-63, wherein: the colorimetric output is maintained for at least 24 hours.Attorney Docket No. 1220-003-01WO65. The kit of any of embodiments 58-64, wherein: the collection member is an electrostatic cloth having a negative charge; and the detection solution is contained within the container configured to deposit the detection solution onto the collection member following contact between the collection member and the object.66. The kit of any of embodiments 58-65, wherein: the collection member is a swab premoistened with the detection solution.67. The kit of any of embodiments 58-66, wherein: the detection solution is in a solute form in a stored state supported by the collection member as a dry swab; and the dry swab is configured to receive a liquid to transition the detection solution to a test state.68. The kit of any of embodiments 58-67, wherein: the collection member is a dry swab configured to receive a portion of the detection solution in a test state prior to contact with the object.69. The kit of any of embodiments 58-68, further comprising: a spray apparatus configured to atomize a portion of the detection solution for conveyance onto the detection surface.70. The kit of any of embodiments 58-69, further comprising: a spray apparatus configured to atomize a portion of the detection solution for conveyance onto the object, the portion of the detection solution is configured to be conveyed onto the detection surface via the contacting of the object with the detection surface.71. The kit of any of embodiments 58-70, further comprising:Attorney Docket No. 1220-003-01WO a container having a dosing portion, the detection solution being contained within the container, the dosing portion being configured to dispense a specified portion of the detection solution, the dosing portion being formed such that an amount of the detection solution in excess of the specified portion is returned to the container.72. The kit of any of embodiments 58-71, further comprising: a preservation container configured to receive the collection member following contact with the object, the preservation container including an observation portion positioned to facilitate observation of the colorimetric output on the detection surface.73. A method for detecting a target particle, comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of: contacting an object with a collection member to transfer the target particle from the object to a detection surface of the collection member to place the target particle in contact with a detection solution, the detection solution including an effective of an intermediate solution dissolved in water, the intermediate solution including an effective amount of 2-(5-Bromo-2-pyridylazo)-5-(diethylamino)phenol (Br-P DAP) dissolved in a non-ionic surfactant, the non-ionic surfactant having an absence of an organic solvent; and observing a colorimetric output on a condition that the detection solution is in contact with the target particle on the detection surface.74. The method of embodiment 73, wherein: contacting the object with the collection member includes contacting the object via moving at least a portion of detection surface relative to the object between a first position and a second position.75. The method of any of embodiments 73-74, wherein: observing the colorimetric output includes detecting a visible shade of purple on the detection surface on a condition that the target particle is an actinide.76. The method of any of embodiments 73-75, further comprising:Attorney Docket No. 1220-003-01WO exposing the detection surface to an incident light having a wavelength between about 200 nanometers and about 850 nanometers following the contacting of the object; and identifying the target particle based at least in part an identifying absorbance spike portion in response to the incident light, the identifying absorbance spike portion has a wavelength that is associated with one of uranium, plutonium, or americium.77. The method of any of embodiments 73-76, wherein the target particle is a first target particle and the identifying absorbance spike portion is a first identifying absorbance spike portion, the method further comprising: determining the first target particle based at least in part on the first identifying absorbance spike portion; and determining a second target particle based at least in part on a second identifying absorbance spike portion, the second identifying absorbance spike portion being different from the first identifying absorbance spike portion.78. The method of any of embodiments 73-77, wherein: the colorimetric output is maintained for at least 24 hours.79. The method of any of embodiments 73-78, wherein the detection solution is in a solute form in a stored state supported by the collection member as a dry swab, the method further comprising: applying a portion of water to the dry swab prior to contact with the object to transition the detection solution to a test state.80. The method of any of embodiments 73-79, further comprising: removing the collection member from a hermetically sealed package, the collection member being a swab premoistened with a portion of the detection solution.81. The method of any of embodiments 73-80, further comprising:Attorney Docket No. 1220-003-01WO applying the detection solution to the detection surface of the collection member by depositing a portion of the detection solution on the detection surface via a spray apparatus following the contacting of the object with the collection member.82. The method of any of embodiments 73-81, further comprising: applying the detection solution to the detection surface of the collection member by depositing a portion of the detection solution on the detection surface via a dosing portion of a solution container prior to the contacting of the object with the collection member, the dosing portion being configured to dispense a specified portion of the detection solution, the dosing portion being formed such that an amount of the detection solution in excess of the specified portion is returned to the solution container.83. The method of any of embodiments 73-82, further comprising: placing the collection member within a preservation container following contact with the object; and observing the colorimetric output on the detection surface via an observation portion of the preservation container.84. A composition for detection of one of a lanthanide or an actinide, comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of: an effective amount of 2-(5-Bromo-2-pyridylazo)-5-(diethylamino)phenol (Br-PADAP); an effective amount of a non-ionic surfactant; and an effective amount of a buffer agent, wherein: the effective amount of 2-(5-Bromo-2-pyridylazo)-5-(diethylamino)phenol (Br-PADAP) and the effective amount of a non-ionic surfactant being dissolved in water to form a detection solution, the effective amount of the buffer agent being sufficient to increase a pH of the detection solution to establish the detection solution in an alkaline state, and on a condition that the detection solution is in contact with one of a lanthanide or an actinide, a colorimetric output is produced.Attorney Docket No. 1220-003-01WO85. A composition for detection of one of a lanthanide or an actinide, comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of: an effective amount of 2-(5-Bromo-2-pyridylazo)-5-(diethylamino)phenol (Br-PADAP); an effective amount of a non-ionic surfactant; and an effective amount of a chelating agent, the chelating agent being reactive with a metal that is neither a lanthanide nor an actinide, wherein: the effective amount of 2-(5-Bromo-2-pyridylazo)-5-(diethylamino)phenol (Br-PADAP), the effective amount of a non-ionic surfactant, and the effective amount of a chelating agent being dissolved in water to form a detection solution, and on a condition that the detection solution is in contact with one of a lanthanide or an actinide, a colorimetric output is produced.INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

[0154] All references, articles, publications, patents, patent publications, and patent applications cited herein within the above text and / or cited below are incorporated by reference in their entireties for all purposes. However, mention of any reference, article, publication, patent, patent publication, and patent application cited herein is not, and should not be taken as acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that they constitute valid prior art or form part of the common general knowledge in any country in the world.

Claims

Attorney Docket No. 1220-003-01WOWhat is claimed is:

1. A composition for detection of a target particle, comprising: an effective amount of 2-(5-Bromo-2-pyridylazo)-5-(diethylamino)phenol (Br-PADAP); and an effective amount of a non-ionic surfactant, wherein: the composition does not include an organic solvent, and on a condition that the composition is in contact with the target particle, a colorimetric output is produced.

2. The composition of claim 1, wherein: the target particle is one of a lanthanide or an actinide.

3. The composition of claim 1, wherein: the non-ionic surfactant is a liquid; the non-ionic surfactant that has a cloud point temperature that is greater than 25 degrees Celsius; and the Br-PADAP is dissolved in the non-ionic surfactant such that the composition is a solution.

4. The composition of claim 1, wherein: the non-ionic surfactant is a liquid having a viscosity in a range of about 150 centipoise to about 1000 centipoise at a temperature in a range of about 20 to about 24 degrees Celsius.

5. The composition of claim 1, wherein: the effective amount of Br-PADAP is in a range of about 0.5% to about 2.0% by weight of the composition; and the effective amount of the non-ionic surfactant is in a range of about 98.0% to about 99.5% by weight of the composition.

6. The composition of claim 1, wherein: the non-ionic surfactant is octylphenol decaethylene glycol ether.Attorney Docket No. 1220-003-01WO7. The composition of claim 1, wherein: the non-ionic surfactant is a liquid; the Br-PADAP is dissolved in the non-ionic surfactant liquid to form an intermediate solution; and the intermediate solution is dissolved in water to form a detection solution.

8. The composition of claim 7, wherein: the intermediate solution is in a range of about 1.0% to about 5.0% by weight of the detection solution; and the effective amount of Br-PADAP is in a range of about 0.005% to about 1.1% by weight of the detection solution.

9. The composition of claim 7, wherein: the detection solution has a viscosity that is less than a viscosity of the intermediate solution.

10. The composition of claim 7, wherein: neither the intermediate solution nor the detection solution is flammable.

11. The composition of claim 7, further comprising: an effective amount of a chelating agent, the chelating agent being reactive with a metal that is neither a lanthanide nor an actinide.

12. The composition of claim 11, wherein: the chelating agent is diaminocyclohexane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid monohydrate (CyDTA).

13. The composition of claim 11, wherein: the effective amount of the chelating agent is in a range of about 1.0% to about 10.0% by weight of the detection solution.Attorney Docket No. 1220-003-01WO14. The composition of claim 11, wherein: the chelating agent includes at least two electron-donor atoms; a distance between the at least two electron-donor atoms defines a maximal particle size for chelation; and the target particle has a size that is greater than the distance between the at least two electron-donor atoms.

15. The composition of claim 7, further comprising: an effective amount of a selectivity agent, the selectivity agent being configured to establish a neutral charge state of the detection solution.

16. The composition of claim 15, wherein: the effective amount of the selectivity agent is in a range of about 0.5% to about 3.0% by weight of the detection solution.

17. The composition of claim 15, wherein: the selectivity agent is an anion.

18. The composition of claim 15, wherein: the selectivity agent is sodium fluoride.

19. The composition of claim 7, further comprising: an effective amount of a buffer agent, the buffer agent increases a pH of the detection solution to establish the detection solution in an alkaline state.

20. The composition of claim 19, wherein: the effective amount of the buffer agent is in a range of about 10.0% to about 15.0% by weight of the detection solution.

21. The composition of claim 19, wherein:Attorney Docket No. 1220-003-01WO the buffer agent is triethanolamine.

22. The composition of claim 7, further comprising: an effective amount of at least one counter-interference agent, the at least one counter-interference agent being reactive with a metal that is neither a lanthanide nor an actinide.

23. The composition of claim 22, wherein: the effective amount of the at least one counter-interference agent is in a range of about 0.5% to about 3.0% by weight of the detection solution.

24. The composition of claim 22, wherein: the at least one counter-interference agent is a first counter-interference agent; the first counter-interference agent is a metal chelating agent; the effective amount of the first counter-interference agent is in a range of about 0.5% to about 3.0% by weight of the detection solution; the detection solution further comprising an effective amount of a second counter-interference agent; the second counter-interference agent is a non-chelating agent; and the effective amount of the second counter-interference agent is in a range of about 0.5% to about 3.0% by weight of the detection solution.

25. The composition of claim 24, wherein: the first counter-interference agent is sulphosalisylic acid; and the second counter-interference agent is potassium thiosulfate.

26. The composition of claim 7, further comprising: an effective amount of a dye-fixative agent, the dye-fixative agent being configured to maintain the colorimetric output for at least a desired display interval.

27. The composition of claim 26, wherein:Attorney Docket No. 1220-003-01WO the effective amount of the dye-fixative agent is in a range of about 0.1% to about 10.0% by weight of the detection solution.

28. The composition of claim 26, wherein: the dye-fixative agent is gum arabic.

29. The composition of claim 7, wherein: the detection solution has a solute form in a stored state; and the solute form is configured to receive a liquid to transition to a test state.

30. The composition of any of claims 1-7, wherein: the target particle is one of uranium, plutonium, or americium.

31. The composition of any of claims 1-7, wherein: the target particle is uranium; the colorimetric output is characterized by an identifying absorbance spike portion in response to exposure to an incident light having a wavelength between about 200 nanometers and about 850 nanometers; and a wavelength of the identifying absorbance spike portion corresponds to a wavelength associated with the uranium in contact with the composition.

32. The composition of claim 31, wherein: the colorimetric output is a visible shade of purple under a white light.

33. The composition of claim 31, wherein: on condition that the uranium is in a target particle solution, the colorimetric output is produced at a concentration of the uranium in the target particle solution of 1 part-per-million or greater.

34. The composition of claim 31, wherein:Attorney Docket No. 1220-003-01WO the colorimetric output is produced on a condition that the composition is in contact with at least 2.4 xl0‘6grams of the uranium.

35. The composition of any of claims 1-7, wherein: the target particle is plutonium; the colorimetric output is characterized by an identifying absorbance spike portion in response to exposure to an incident light having a wavelength between about 200 nanometers and about 850 nanometers; and a wavelength of the identifying absorbance spike portion corresponds to a wavelength associated with the plutonium in contact with the composition.

36. The composition of claim 35, wherein: on condition that the plutonium is in a target particle solution, the colorimetric output is produced at a concentration of the plutonium in the target particle solution of about 1 part-per-million or greater.

37. The composition of claim 35, wherein: the colorimetric output is produced on a condition that the composition is in contact with at least 2.4 xlO'6grams of the plutonium.

38. The composition of any of claims 1-7, wherein: the target particle is americium; the colorimetric output is characterized by an identifying absorbance spike portion in response to exposure to an incident light having a wavelength between about 200 nanometers and about 850 nanometers; and a wavelength of the identifying absorbance spike portion corresponds to a wavelength associated with the americium in contact with the composition.

39. The composition of claim 38, wherein:Attorney Docket No. 1220-003-01WO on condition that the americium is in a target particle solution, the colorimetric output is produced at a concentration of the americium in the target particle solution of about 1 part-per-million or greater.

40. The composition of claim 38, wherein: the colorimetric output is produced on a condition that the composition is in contact with at least 2.4 xl0‘6grams of the americium.

41. The composition of claim 1, wherein: the composition is for detection of a plurality of target particles, the target particle being a first target particle of the plurality of target particles; the colorimetric output is characterized by a first identifying absorbance spike portion in response to exposure to an incident light having a wavelength between about 200 nanometers and about 850 nanometers, the first identifying absorbance spike portion having a wavelength that is associated with the first target particle; and the colorimetric output is characterized by a second identifying absorbance spike portion in response to exposure to the incident light, the second identifying absorbance spike portion having a wavelength that is associated with a second target particle of the plurality of target particles.

42. The composition of any of claims 1-7, wherein: the colorimetric output is maintained for at least 24 hours.

43. A method of manufacturing a composition configured to produce a colorimetric output on contact with a target particle, the method comprising: dissolving an effective amount of 2-(5-Bromo-2-pyridylazo)-5-(diethylamino)phenol (Br-P DAP) in an effective amount of a non-ionic surfactant to form an intermediate solution, the non-ionic surfactant being devoid of any organic solvent; and dissolving the intermediate solution in a portion of water to form a detection solution.

44. The method of claim 43, wherein:Attorney Docket No. 1220-003-01WO the effective amount of Br-P DAP is in a range of about 0.5% to about 2.0% by weight of the intermediate solution; and the intermediate solution is in a range of about 1.0% to about 5.0% by weight of the detection solution.

45. The method of claim 43, wherein: the detection solution has a viscosity that is less than a viscosity of the intermediate solution.

46. The method of claim 43, wherein: neither the intermediate solution nor the detection solution is flammable.

47. The method of claim 43, further comprising: dissolving an effective amount of a chelating agent in the detection solution, the chelating agent being reactive with a metal that is neither a lanthanide nor an actinide.

48. The method of claim 47, wherein: the effective amount of the chelating agent is in a range of about 1.0% to about 10.0% by weight of the detection solution.

49. The method of claim 43, further comprising: establishing a neutral charge state of the detection solution by dissolving an effective amount of a selectivity agent in the detection solution.

50. The method of claim 49, wherein: the effective amount of the selectivity agent is in a range of about 0.5% to about 3.0% by weight of the detection solution.

51. The method of claim 43, further comprising: establishing a pH of the detection solution in an alkaline state by dissolving an effective amount of a buffer agent in the detection solution.Attorney Docket No. 1220-003-01WO52. The method of claim 51, wherein: the effective amount of the buffer agent is in a range of about 10.0% to about 15.0% by weight of the detection solution.

53. The method of claim 43, further comprising: dissolving an effective amount of at least one counter-interference agent, the at least one counter-interference agent being reactive with a metal that is neither a lanthanide nor an actinide.

54. The method of claim 53, wherein: the effective amount of the at least one counter-interference agent is in a range of about 0.5% to about 3.0% by weight of the detection solution.

55. The method of claim 43, further comprising: dissolving an effective amount of a dye-fixative agent, the dye-fixative agent being configured to maintain the colorimetric output for at least a desired display interval.

56. The method of claim 55, wherein: the effective amount of the dye-fixative agent is in a range of about 10.0% to about 20.0% by weight of the detection solution.

57. The method of claim 43, further comprising: transitioning the detection solution to a stored state by reducing the detection solution to a solute form, solute form being configured to receive a liquid to transition to a test state.

58. A kit for detection of a presence of a target particle on an object, comprising: a detection solution including an effective of an intermediate solution dissolved in water, the intermediate solution including an effective amount of 2-(5-Bromo-2-pyridylazo)-5-(diethylamino)phenol (Br-PADAP) dissolved in a non-ionic surfactant, the non-ionic surfactant having an absence of an organic solvent; andAttorney Docket No. 1220-003-01WO a collection member having a detection surface for contacting the object to a portion of the detection solution in contact with the target particle, on a condition that the detection solution is in contact with the target particle, a colorimetric output is produced on the detection surface.

59. The kit of claim 58, wherein: the target particle is one of uranium, plutonium, or americium.

60. The kit of claim 58, wherein: the target particle is uranium; and the colorimetric output is a visible shade of purple on the detection surface.

61. The kit of claim 60, wherein: the uranium is present on the detection surface at a concentration of at least 0.022 g / m2.

62. The kit of claim 58, wherein: the target particle is plutonium; and the plutonium is present on the detection surface at a concentration of at least 0.023 g / m2.

63. The kit of claim 58, wherein: the target particle is americium; and the americium is present on the detection surface at a concentration of at least 0.023 g / m2.

64. The kit of claim 58, wherein: the colorimetric output is maintained for at least 24 hours.

65. The kit of claim 58, wherein: the collection member is an electrostatic cloth having a negative charge; and the detection solution is contained within the container configured to deposit the detection solution onto the collection member following contact between the collection member and the object.Attorney Docket No. 1220-003-01WO66. The kit of claim 58, wherein: the collection member is a swab premoistened with the detection solution.

67. The kit of claim 58, wherein: the detection solution is in a solute form in a stored state supported by the collection member as a dry swab; and the dry swab is configured to receive a liquid to transition the detection solution to a test state.

68. The kit of claim 58, wherein: the collection member is a dry swab configured to receive a portion of the detection solution in a test state prior to contact with the object.

69. The kit of claim 58, further comprising: a spray apparatus configured to atomize a portion of the detection solution for conveyance onto the detection surface.

70. The kit of claim 58, further comprising: a spray apparatus configured to atomize a portion of the detection solution for conveyance onto the object, the portion of the detection solution is configured to be conveyed onto the detection surface via the contacting of the object with the detection surface.

71. The kit of claim 58, further comprising: a container having a dosing portion, the detection solution being contained within the container, the dosing portion being configured to dispense a specified portion of the detection solution, the dosing portion being formed such that an amount of the detection solution in excess of the specified portion is returned to the container.

72. The kit of claim 58, further comprising:Attorney Docket No. 1220-003-01WO a preservation container configured to receive the collection member following contact with the object, the preservation container including an observation portion positioned to facilitate observation of the colorimetric output on the detection surface.

73. A method for detecting a target particle, comprising: contacting an object with a collection member to transfer the target particle from the object to a detection surface of the collection member to place the target particle in contact with a detection solution, the detection solution including an effective of an intermediate solution dissolved in water, the intermediate solution including an effective amount of 2-(5-Bromo-2-pyridylazo)-5-(diethylamino)phenol (Br-PADAP) dissolved in a non-ionic surfactant, the non-ionic surfactant having an absence of an organic solvent; and observing a colorimetric output on a condition that the detection solution is in contact with the target particle on the detection surface.

74. The method of claim 73, wherein: contacting the object with the collection member includes contacting the object via moving at least a portion of the detection surface relative to the object between a first position and a second position.

75. The method of claim 73, wherein: observing the colorimetric output includes detecting a visible shade of purple on the detection surface on a condition that the target particle is an actinide.

76. The method of claim 73, further comprising: exposing the detection surface to an incident light having a wavelength between about 200 nanometers and about 850 nanometers following the contacting of the object; and identifying the target particle based at least in part on an identifying absorbance spike portion in response to the incident light, the identifying absorbance spike portion has a wavelength that is associated with one of uranium, plutonium, or americium.Attorney Docket No. 1220-003-01WO77. The method of claim 76, wherein the target particle is a first target particle and the identifying absorbance spike portion is a first identifying absorbance spike portion, the method further comprising: determining the first target particle based at least in part on the first identifying absorbance spike portion; and determining a second target particle based at least in part on a second identifying absorbance spike portion, the second identifying absorbance spike portion being different from the first identifying absorbance spike portion.

78. The method of claim 73, wherein: the colorimetric output is maintained for at least 24 hours.

79. The method of claim 73, wherein the detection solution is in a solute form in a stored state supported by the collection member as a dry swab, the method further comprising: applying a portion of water to the dry swab prior to contact with the object to transition the detection solution to a test state.

80. The method of claim 73, further comprising: removing the collection member from a hermetically sealed package, the collection member being a swab premoistened with a portion of the detection solution.

81. The method of claim 73, further comprising: applying the detection solution to the detection surface of the collection member by depositing a portion of the detection solution on the detection surface via a spray apparatus following the contacting of the object with the collection member.

82. The method of claim 73, further comprising: applying the detection solution to the detection surface of the collection member by depositing a portion of the detection solution on the detection surface via a dosing portion of a solution container prior to the contacting of the object with the collection member, the dosing portion being configured to dispense a specified portion of the detection solution, the dosingAttorney Docket No. 1220-003-01WO portion being formed such that an amount of the detection solution in excess of the specified portion is returned to the solution container.

83. The method of claim 73, further comprising: placing the collection member within a preservation container following contact with the object; and observing the colorimetric output on the detection surface via an observation portion of the preservation container.

84. A composition for detection of one of a lanthanide or an actinide, comprising: an effective amount of 2-(5-Bromo-2-pyridylazo)-5-(diethylamino)phenol (Br-PADAP); an effective amount of a non-ionic surfactant; and an effective amount of a buffer agent, wherein: the effective amount of 2-(5-Bromo-2-pyridylazo)-5-(diethylamino)phenol (Br-PADAP) and the effective amount of a non-ionic surfactant being dissolved in water to form a detection solution, the effective amount of the buffer agent being sufficient to increase a pH of the detection solution to establish the detection solution in an alkaline state, and on a condition that the detection solution is in contact with one of a lanthanide or an actinide, a colorimetric output is produced.

85. A composition for detection of one of a lanthanide or an actinide, comprising: an effective amount of 2-(5-Bromo-2-pyridylazo)-5-(diethylamino)phenol (Br-PADAP); an effective amount of a non-ionic surfactant; and an effective amount of a chelating agent, the chelating agent being reactive with a metal that is neither a lanthanide nor an actinide, wherein: the effective amount of 2-(5-Bromo-2-pyridylazo)-5-(diethylamino)phenol (Br-PADAP), the effective amount of a non-ionic surfactant, and the effective amount of a chelating agent being dissolved in water to form a detection solution, and on a condition that the detection solution is in contact with one of a lanthanide or an actinide, a colorimetric output is produced.

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