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Non-aerosol detection of explosives with a continuous flow immunosensor

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Abstract

Contamination of groundwater, soil, and the marine environment by explosives is a global issue. Identification, characterization and remediation are all required for a site recognized as contaminated with 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) or hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX). For each step, a method to accurately measure the contaminant level is needed. This paper reviews some of the current methods with emphasis on a single biosensor developed in our laboratory. Current regulatory methods require samples to be sent off-site to a certified laboratory resulting in time delays up to a month. A continuous flow biosensor for detection of explosives has been developed and tested for the rapid field screening of environmental samples. The detection system is based on a displacement immunoassay in which monoclonal antibodies to (TNT) and RDX are immobilized on solid substrates, allowed to bind fluorescently labeled antigens, and then exposed to explosives in aqueous samples. Explosive compounds present in the sample displace proportional amounts of the fluorescent label, which can then be measured to determine the original TNT or RDX concentration. The system can accurately detect ppb to ppt levels of explosives in groundwater or seawater samples and in extracts of contaminated soil. The biosensor has applications in environmental monitoring at remediation sites or in the location of underwater unexploded ordnance.

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Acknowledgements

This work was funded by Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP) and Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP). The views expressed here are those of the authors and do not represent those of the US Navy, US Department of Defense or the US Government.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Code 6900, Naval Research Laboratory, 4555 Overlook Ave SW, Washington, DC, 20375, USA

    Lisa C. Shriver-Lake, Paul T. Charles & Anne W. Kusterbeck

Authors
  1. Lisa C. Shriver-Lake
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  2. Paul T. Charles
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  3. Anne W. Kusterbeck
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Correspondence to Lisa C. Shriver-Lake.

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Shriver-Lake, L.C., Charles, P.T. & Kusterbeck, A.W. Non-aerosol detection of explosives with a continuous flow immunosensor. Anal Bioanal Chem 377, 550–555 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00216-003-2130-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00216-003-2130-8

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