Biological Sensors
Integrated Microbial Forensics (423)
Problem: Identify bio-markers that have high forensic value for determining possible sources of biological agents.
Project Activity Scope (from Technical Overview Chart): Sensors and Devices through Integrated Systems
PNNL Solution:
- Analyzed broad range of samples to identify chemical and bio-markers indicative of specific preparation methods and environment
- Applied advanced chemical analysis tools, automated feature extraction, and orthogonal signature analysis, to identify probable source attributes
- Developed sample property library to support analysis of unknown samples
Capabilities Employed to Meet Client Needs: Sample analysis planning to meet application requirements; sample preparation; sample analysis tailored to meet requirements [target information options and available methods include: a) differential protein expression using MALDI-MS, b) molecular constituent analysis using SIMS (small molecules), FTIR (functional groups and culture media differences), GCxGC-TOFMS (volatile and semi-volatile organics), MALDI-MS (non-volatile organics) c) metal content (including quantity and spatial distribution) using SIMS, ICP-MS (trace metals), PIXE (total metals), TEM (location), and d) isotopic ratios using ICP-MS and IRMS]; analysis of individual method data sets; coordinated analysis of complementary data sets using statistical and decision tree methods to gain required sample forensic knowledge; report results.
Method abbreviation guide:
- FTIR: Fourier Transform Infrared spectrometry
- GC: Gas Chromatograph
- ICP-MS: Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry
- IRMS: Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry
- MALDI-MS: Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption and Ionization with Mass Spectrometry analysis
- PIXE: Particle Induced X-ray Emission
- SIMS: Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry
- TEM: Transmission electron microscopy
- TOFMS: Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry
Selected Links to Related Information:
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