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The rapid detection of pathogens and other microbial contaminants in
food is critical for ensuring the safety of consumers. Traditional methods
to detect foodborne bacteria often rely on time-consuming growth in culture
media, followed by isolation, biochemical identification, and sometimes
serology. Recent advances in technology make detection and identification
faster, more convenient, more sensitive, and more specific than conventional
assays.
Sandia National Laboratories has been at the forefront of microsensor
technology using MicroElectroMechanical Systems (MEMS) since it's inception. Microsensors are miniature devices that convert information
about the environment into electrical form that can be read by instruments.
As computing power increases and becomes less expensive, sensors are increasingly
used as computer input devices. Sensors thus function as the eyes, ears,
nose, and touch for the computer, making it aware of its environment.
These highly advanced technologies can be modified for sampling and detection
of agri-terrorist agents (biological and chemical).
Objectives include 1) defining potential chemical and biological agents
that might be intentionally used against U.S. agriculture, 2) developing
effective surveillance tools to identify and document perpetrators, 3)
developing rapid, robust, and sensitive methods to detect and characterize
biological or chemical agents, and (4) integrating components necessary
in detection, including sample collection, sample preparation, and agent
identification into a validated working system.
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