CRTI-06-187TD Portable biological agent detection system

J-F Gravel & coll.

Public Security S&T Symposium 2009

Acknowledgments – Project Partners

CERMAM. LeclercE. J. LemieuxS. Dubus….

COPLD. BoudreauJ.-F. GravelS. Chapdelaine….

DRDC-SuffieldW.E. LeeT. Tang….

RCMPIan Summerell….

CHUQ-CRIM.G. Bergeron M. Boissinot I. Charlebois S. IsabelL.E. Shi ….

NRC-IMIM. DumoulinT. VeresC. Vachon/J D-SchmidtM. GeisslerB. Voisin….

NRC-SIMSB. SimardA. KellC. Paquet…..

Outline

• Outline• Introduction / background• Key objectives• Relevance• Progress and results• Impact on Canada’s ability to respond• Summary

Project background

• Project based on CRTI 02-0021RD, in which the research teams demonstrated a novel technology allowing to detect anthrax’s gDNA in a laboratory without PCR amplification

Project context and key objectives

• 3 yr. project to develop and validate, in a real field setting, a fully functional portable instrument for the rapid (less than 90 minutes) and reliable detection of anthrax without Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) amplification or chemical tagging.

• Two field demonstrations of the bio detection system are planned in partnership with RCMP end-users. The biosensor will be able to positively identify the presence of anthrax (pass or fail) from a swab or other solid collection method.

• At the end of the project, a pre-commercial prototype will be developed

Relevance

• Will provide first responders and authorities (e.g. RCMP) with a real-time detection technology for bioweapons (e.g. anthrax).

• Will generate a technology applicable to criminal / nat. security investigations (diagnose, track, and detect source of bio-agents).

• Will support the rapid determination of the existence and scale of a CBRNE event and quickly screen CBRNE-exposed individuals.

• Will provide reliable differentiation between a threat and a hoax.

• Will provides key mitigation factors in addressing CRTI’s scenarios of preparedness

Project tasks

1. Sampling procedure to capture and process the sample for compatibility with the microfluidic components

2. Integrated single-use microfluidic cartridge for testing the bioagent

3. Portable detection platform capable of reading the cartridge and identifying the presence of anthrax

4. Integration of the components (fluid delivery pumps, photon-counting detection head, fiber-optic coupled excitation source and detector, control electronics) into a self-contained, portable, robust and autonomous instrument + test « kits »

5. Field demonstrations and testing by first responders (test the robustness and ease of use of the equipment)

Development of modules Integration into prototype(s) Testing

Progress and results : Procedure for powdery sample treatment (Task 1)

• On typical Anthrax attack, spores are mixed with powder to facilitate handling, dispersion and contamination.

• Chemical proprieties of powders could interfere with DNA detection.

1. Pre-filtration removes insoluble powders

2. Soluble powders pass through the filter while bacteria are trapped

3. Washed spores are recovered Next step: Automation!

Pre-filtrationWashing & Concentration

Insoluble powders

Spores

Wash

Inject1

2

3

Eject

Soluble powders

Progress and results : micro fluidic devices (Task 2)• System developed for mechanical cell lysis on chip. Proof of

concept demonstration with B. globigii spores

gDNAlysis crude extract

Progress and results : micro fluidic devices (Task 2)

• Hybrid plastic-based detection cartridge for bead-supported biosensing

Top layer with inlets and reference marks (1 mm thick, hard thermoplastic

Bottom layer (1 mm thick, hard thermoplastic)

Soft thermoplastic (fluidic elements replicated by hot embossing, 4 mm thick)

Side view

Optical detection footprint

Progress and results : integrated optics (Task 3)

O bjec

t ive

D etection plane

D etector

Fiber-coupled laser diode410 nm

C C D cam era

X Y Z stages

Detection head with integrated optical components

Fiber-coupled Multielement SPAD

Compact fiber-coupled laser

Progress and results : integrated detection platform (Task 4)

• Integration of modules into a portable instrument for RCMP end-users• Optics, custom control electronics, touch-screen LCD, fluidic interface

• First field-test training scheduled on June 22, 2009 and field-test with RCMP scheduled on September 10, 2009

• Second field test planned in September 2010

Progress and results : Field demonstrations (Task 5)

Progress and results : Next steps

• Optimization of the biosensor fabrication and stability (i.e. shelf life)

• Integration of all modules and functionalities to the 2nd generation instrument

– Prototype development for automated powdery sample treatment

– Integration of cell lysis (DNA extraction) and hybridization on a single chip

Summary

• The foundations for the development of a reliable device for the rapid detection of anthrax have been established

• This is a technology entirely developed in Canada (optics, chemistry, materials, micro-fabrication)

Impact on Canada’s Ability to Respond

• Improve Canada’s immediate reaction and near term consequence management capabilities towards a terrorist attack

• Help authorities to respond more rapidly to an attack and lessen the impact in a number of ways

• Applications in other potential areas such as medicine, agriculture and the environment.

Thank YouQuestions ?