Detection and surveillance systems

This article shows you that Diehl BGT Defence has developed Minilabs enabling automatic on-site detection of biological toxins within only 30 minutes.

Biosensors

In cooperation with the Fraunhofer Institut für Siliziumtechnologie (ISiT) and eBiochip Systems, Diehl BGT Defence has developed a portable minilab enabling automatic on-site detection of biological toxins within only 30 minutes. Botulinum toxins A, B, D, E, ricin and SEB can be measured by the first sensor generation already implemented. Detection of bacteria and viruses such as anthrax and smallpox has also been demonstrated. As these substances are hard to detect and become effective only after a certain delay, rapid and reliable detection is very important for efficient initiation of protective measures. The flexible technology is based on a silicon chip and utilizes a system based on antibodies to identify proteins (toxins) as well as dangerous micro-organisms as such. To detect viruses, the system utilizes significant elements of the virus DNA for identification on the chip.

The biosensor can be utilized by firefighters or in mobile ABC reconnaissance systems of the armed forces. Further applications are the surveillance of drinking water supply and ventilating systems in public buildings such as airports, railway stations, exhibition halls and stadiums. Series production of a first version as toxin detector (SEB, ricin, BOTOX) will begin at the end of 2006.

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AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY

DIEHL BGT Defence,