BioBriefcase is a bioagent detection collaboration between Sandia and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory for the Department of Homeland Security.
The project calls for a broad-spectrum bioagent detector that is briefcase-sized and features dramatically reduced reagent consumption, improved sensitivity, and rapid response time. Sample preparation and analysis would be carried out on microfluidic, chip-based modules.
The detector will use capillary electrophoresis on Sandia’s MicroChemLab platform with three analysis trains; DNA amplification to identify bacteria and viruses using polymerase chain reaction (PCR); immunoassays to identify bacteria, viruses and toxins; and protein signatures to identify toxins.
Serving as an environmental monitor, BioBriefcase will function autonomously to collect and detect samples in a stealthy and easily deployed manner. It will also be capable of being operated by a minimally trained user to function as a portable laboratory, providing quick turnaround between sample analysis and responsive action.
Initially, the project will demonstrate multiplex pathogen detection through a sensitive and specific detection platform that can be scaled in size and cost to be widely applicable to civil protection. Next, researchers intend to add chip-based (microfluidic) automated components for sample processing. The final goal is to demonstrate and test autonomous operation of BioBriefcase, from sample collection to detection.
