In an age when bacterial agents may be intentionally released as method of terrorist attack, there is an increased need for quick diagnostic methods that require limited resources and personnel. Researcher Thomas Inzana at Virginia Tech, has been awarded a grant from the National Institutes of Health to develop such a diagnostic test.

 

The aim is to develop nanoscale optical fiber biosensor tests, or assays, for detection of Francisella tularensis, Burkholderia mallei, and B. pseudomallei.

The optical fiber is coated with antibodies or DNA that will bind to antigens or DNA in the specimen. When this happens, the light that normally passes through the fiber will be decreased, indicating the presence of a biological agent.  

 

"This assay will be rugged, portable, inexpensive, and rapid," said Inzana. "All of these are critical to minimizing the affect on an intentionally introduced biological weapon." Furthermore, the increased speed of detection allowed by this new, optical fiber assay will also increase the speed of treatment for those affected, according to Inzana.

 

Source: http://www.vtnews.vt.edu/story.php?relyear=2010&itemno=13