NASA Nano-Biosensor Helps Detect Biohazards

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NASA Nano-Biosensor Helps Detect Biohazards

http://www.nano.org.uk/news/may2008/latest1395.htm

 

 

 

 

 

NASA has developed a revolutionary nanotechnology-based

biosensor that can detect trace amounts of specific bacteria, viruses

and parasites. This biosensor will be used to help prevent the spread

of potentially deadly biohazards in water, food and other contaminated

sources.

 

This NASA developed

nanotechnology-based biosensor, designed to detect trace amounts of

specific bacteria, viruses and parasites, has now been tested and

licensed for commercialization by biosensor technology company Early

Warning Inc., from Troy , N.Y.

NASA's Ames Research Center at Moffett Field in

California licensed the biosensor technology to Early Warning Inc.,

Troy , N.Y. Under a Reimbursable Space Act Agreement, NASA and Early

Warning jointly will develop biosensor enhancements. Initially, the

biosensor will be configured to detect the presence of common and rare

strains of microorganisms associated with water-borne illnesses and

fatalities.

 

"The biosensor makes use of ultra-sensitive carbon nanotubes which can

detect biohazards at very low levels," explained Meyya Meyyappan, chief

scientist for exploration technology and former director of the Center

for Nanotechnology at Ames . "When biohazards are present, the

biosensor generates an electrical signal, which is used to determine

the presence and concentration levels of specific micro-organisms in

the sample. Because of their tiny size, millions of nanotubes can fit

on a single biosensor chip."

 

Early Warning company officials say food and beverage companies, water

agencies, industrial plants, hospitals and airlines could use the

biosensor to prevent outbreaks of illnesses caused by pathogens -

without needing a laboratory or technicians.

 

"Biohazard outbreaks from pathogens and infectious diseases occur every

day in the U.S. and throughout the world," said Neil Gordon, president

of Early Warning. "The key to preventing major outbreaks is frequent

and comprehensive testing for each suspected pathogen, as most

occurrences of pathogens are not detected until after people get sick

or die. Biohazards can enter the water supply and food chain from a

number of sources which are very difficult to uncover.

 

Early Warning expects to launch its water-testing products in late

2008.

 

"Ambitious space missions have produced some of the world's most

creative technologies by NASA and its industrial partners," said Harry

Partridge, deputy director of the Space Technologies Division at Ames .

"Not only does NASA want these technologies used in space applications,

an equally important objective is the transition of NASA research into

real world products that can benefit our society."

 

Source: Nasa/...