| abstract |
A sensor system and method are provided that are capable of the real-time detection of target live microorganisms, such as biological warfare agents. The sensor system includes a highly-sensitive, highly-selective sensor cell that comprises a single-stranded oligonucleic acid sequence that is complementary to a portion of the DNA of a target live microorganism, the oligonucleic acid having been modified with the covalent attachment of electron donor and acceptor moieties. In the presence of the targeted microorganism, hybridization occurs between the modified oligonucleic acid and the microorganism's DNA, such that the electron conductance between the electron transfer moieties greatly increases, thereby providing a means of detecting the presence of the target live microorganism. Aside from the sensor cell, the sensor system also includes an inlet port in the sensor cell wall by which to introduce a sample from the fluid environment into the sensor cell; a cell wall disrupter to release the nucleic acid of the fluid sample into the sensor cell; an electron transfer rate measuring system to gauge the electron transfer rate between the electron transfer moieties of the modified oligonucleic acid; a power source; a microcontroller to analyze the measured electron transfer rate for evidence of hybridization; and a communication system for relaying information regarding the presence or absence of the target live microorganism to the user of the sensor system. It is contemplated that the sensor system, exclusive of a battery and pump pack, will be only slightly larger than a pack of cigarettes and light enough to be comfortably worn and carried by personnel. |