Biodetectors
Biodetectors are specialized devices designed to sense specific biological molecules—like DNA, proteins, or enzymes—using biolayers that are immobilized on surfaces. These sensors are crucial analytical tools in forensic science, particularly in the context of bioterrorism and biocrime prevention. They possess the capability to detect even minute quantities of harmful agents, such as pathogenic viruses and bacteria, potentially days before they present health symptoms. This early detection is vital, as it can enable timely responses such as medical diagnoses, crisis management, and forensic investigations.
The historical significance of biodetectors was highlighted by events like the anthrax letters in 2001, where early identification facilitated lifesaving prophylactic treatments. They are particularly valuable in monitoring highly contagious diseases and lethal pathogens, where rapid intervention can significantly reduce morbidity and mortality rates. The evolution of biodetector technology began with the pioneering work of Leland C. Clark in the 1960s and continues to advance, with ongoing research aimed at creating networked, portable systems capable of real-time monitoring and differentiation between harmful and non-harmful biological entities. Overall, biodetectors hold the promise of enhancing public health safety and security through their innovative design and application.
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Biodetectors
DEFINITION: Devices comprising highly specific sensing components—such as biolayers of DNA, proteins, or enzymes— immobilized on surfaces that serve as transducers that measure electrical signals produced by interactions between the biomolecules of interest and the biolayers.
SIGNIFICANCE: Combining the ability to process data with the selectivity of biological systems, biodetectors are powerful analytical tools employed in forensic science. They can be used to counter the growing threat of biocrimes or acts of bioterrorism because of their ability to detect even minute levels of colorless and odorless harmful agents (such as pathogenic viruses, fungi, bacteria, and other noxious substances) days before concentrations of the agents are high enough to cause medical symptoms.
Following a biocrime, responses based on data obtained from biodetection may include forensic investigation, medical diagnoses, and crisis management. In 2001, the importance of timely forensic investigation of surface contamination was demonstrated following identification of the anthrax bacterium found in letters sent to the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington, DC; early detection allowed for prophylactic treatment with antibiotics, thus saving the lives of those exposed to the pathogen. For highly contagious diseases such as smallpox, it may be crucial to institute immediate measures such as vaccination or quarantine to halt the spread of the disease.
The significance of early detection of harmful biological agents cannot be overemphasized. At first, medical symptoms may seem mild, and outbreaks may be mistaken for ordinary influenza; this can delay necessary remedial actions that could lessen, or even prevent, morbidity and mortality. The greatest benefit of biodetectors may be to protect against highly lethal pathogens such as Ebola and Marburg viruses, for which no vaccines, treatments, or cures have been developed.
In the mid-1960s, Leland C. Clark, considered the “father of biosensors,” developed the first enzyme electrodes, which eventually led to creation of more advanced versions for applications in biotechnology and forensic science, especially as the latter pertains to countering acts of bioterrorism. Biosensors of this type, employed to detect and related biomolecules, are also known as biodetectors; they are key players in the investigation of events leading up to and following exposure to such pathogenic agents as ricin (a highly toxic protein derived from the castor bean) and Bacillus anthracis, the bacterium that causes anthrax. Biodetectors may also be employed for continuous monitoring of the environment, surveillance of medical symptoms, and ancillary intelligence activities that may be put in place to mitigate or prevent the aftereffects associated with biocrimes and acts of bioterrorism.
Ideally, biodetectors should be networked—that is, decentralized—during an attack involving biological weapons so that they can be used to define the perimeter of the assault. Portability is another desirable characteristic for biodetectors; such devices could be moved quickly to the locations of biocrimes to perform evaluation and monitoring. Although the task of building a system of networked biodetectors is fraught with complexity, the future of emerging biosensor technology lies in scientists’ ability to develop networks of sophisticated alarm-bearing biodetectors that can differentiate between harmful and benign entities and can be used anywhere, with wireless and remote capabilities. In the late 2010s and 2020s, researchers were working on using biodetectors to detect a DNA sequence or protein unique to a particular bioagent that was used or may be used in a terrorist attack.
Bibliography
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Cooper, Jon, and Tony Cass, eds. Biosensors: A Practical Approach. 2d ed. New York: Oxford University Press, 2004.
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