Source Attribution of Biological Weapons (Ricin and Associated Metabolites) Using NMR Spectroscopy
EMSL Project ID
17804
Abstract
This project will study variations in the chemical and isotopic composition of biological weapons with the goal of developing a robust forensics method for deducing the origins and relatedness of such weapons. The premise for the research is that all organisms bear chemical and isotopic signatures that convey information about their origin and history. The most effective ways to analyze for these signatures are stable-isotope mass-spectrometry and high-resolution nuclear-magnetic-resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The two approaches have complementary strengths. The NMR experiments, while less sensitive, are more informative, and can provide isotopic ratios for specific molecular sites. Moreover, NMR spectra can reveal chemical, in addition to isotopic, variations, as may occur in metabolites associated with a biological weapon. Towards developing robust, NMR-based forensics methods for deducing the origins and relatedness of biological weapons, our initial efforts will be directed towards the deadly poison ricin and associated metabolites of the castor plant. Our research is directly related to the Department of Energy?s mission "to contribute to the welfare of the nation by providing the scientific foundation, technology, policy and institutional leadership necessary to?secure national defense."
Project Details
Project type
Capability Research
Start Date
2006-04-18
End Date
2007-03-20
Status
Closed
Released Data Link
Team
Principal Investigator
Team Members