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AgroMicron, Ltd has designed a detection spray
that spots dangerous contamination
in food or water. Since the infamous "9/11" that happened in the U.S. several years ago, many experts have warned
of the threat of terrorist attacks using highly destructive pathogens
such as smallpox or anthrax. AgroMicron, Ltd believes that bioterrorism
will most likely come in more conventional wrappers, such as
the more common bacteria s E. coli and salmonella.
If various meats, water, or other freshly transported perishables were to be
deliberately contaminated with these microbes then large numbers of people could
be struck down with debilitating illness. The problem with many current tests
is that they can take days to carry out, as sufficient numbers of bacteria have
to be cultured to provide a positive result.
AgroMicron, Ltd competed work with a team of researchers from Taiwan and the United
States, with support from the US Technology Transfer Act., to create a nano-scale
test which not only provide an instant verdict, but also be easy for public to use. |
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We use
a small, luminescent protein molecule which has been modified
so that it attaches itself to the surface of the target bacterium.
This works in a similar fashion to an immune system antibody,
designed to lock on to a particular feature on the "coat" of the microbe. In this case the higher the number of connections
between bacteria and molecules, the more intense the glow produced. AgroMicron, Ltd. is currently marketing this product under the name of 'BioMark'.
Our goal is once again a simple approach to a complex problem… If the threat of bioterrorism remains present in our society,
then a need of a Rapid Early Detection (RED) system must be employed. BioMark is packaged in 5 and 20 gallon canisters with an easy spray application device. BioMark is being be sold throughout the food industry and can be
widely used in ocean freight containerized shipping of perishable goods. If the container
is opened and a ominous glow emanates from the food source, then
a quarantine can be deployed immediately.
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