Award Data

The CBD is seeking innovative approaches for improving the sensitivity of chemical/biological detection systems. Our proposed solution entails a novel, high-frequency approach utilizing nano-size graphene as the sensing material, which provides an excessively large-surface area and high electrical transport property to suppress the background noise and significantly enhance the signal/noise ratio ...

We aim to create a low-cost, high-sensitivity hand-held plasmonic biosensor capable of sensing biotoxins. We will do this by using newly developed biodesign technology to create a new class of proteins which have an orders-of-magnitude increase in SPR signal-to-noise. These will be incorporated into a novel SPR device in which the transmission of light is affected by the binding of a particular t ...

Chemical, biological, or toxin attacks in military and civilian settings are a serious and growing concern. Standard first aid for exposure to some chemical warfare agents and toxins includes the immediate administration of relevant antidotes using an autoinjector. When an attack occurs, pre-filled autoinjectors must be immediately available and thus highly portable, and they must be suitable fo ...

Interfaces on existing military chemical/biological protection garments are not designed to fully eliminate macroscopic and microscopic air gaps at folds, fabric surfaces, or hook-and-loop closures, and thus do not provide a hermetic barrier against exposure. Creare proposes to develop a hermetic garment closure system that seals macroscopic and microscopic gaps at interfaces and closures and pro ...

An innovative phase-cancelled radio frequency/microwave graphene-based impedance chemical gas sensor has been demonstrated in Phase I with the record high sub-ppb sensitivity of NH3 and DMMP in air. Our sensor shows excellent selectivity for sensing NH3 and DMMP in a complex environment, and is capable of in-situ multiplexed sensing. In Phase II, the sensor will be fully integrated on a 3 glass wa ...

We propose a metamaterial-enhanced microbolometer with strong absorption over a narrow band that is dynamically tunable over the 8-10 micron band. A single-layer photonic metamaterial consisting of a thin metal film perforated with a 2-D array of dielectric apertures will be deposited on an amorphous-Silicon layer acting as an absorber and bolometer. The metamaterial, in conjunction with planar di ...

Currently, the accepted standard experimental model for measuring protective efficacy against botulism is the Mouse Lethality Neutralization (MLN) assay. Botulism poisoning is a life threatening condition that is not only a public health concern, but could also be a potential biological weapon. With seven serotypes of botulinum neurotoxins, there is need for an alternative to the MLN assay due t ...

Organophosphorus chemical warfare nerve agents (OP-CWA) are attractive to terrorist groups and rogue states as an inexpensive and accessible technology for chemical warfare. OP-CWA and organophosphate pesticides cause severe neurological symptoms and death by inhibiting the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE); the resulting excess acetylcholine accumulates and overstimulates the human or animal bo ...