Biological Forensics & Attribution: Chemical and Physical Analysis -- Organic Signatures
EMSL Project ID
33892
Abstract
Investigators of a planned or actual biocrime or bioterror incident require well characterized, independent analytical methods that will allow them to discern which growth and "weaponization" processes were likely to have been employed by the perpetrator. The National Bioforensic Analysis Center (NBFAC) does not currently have validated methods for relating the organic chemical properties of bulk Bacillus anthracis and ricin to the methods used to produce them. In prior work during FY06, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) developed a method and standard operating procedure (SOP) for detecting trace quantities of residual agar in spore preparations and undertook a detailed validation study to determine detection limits and false positive rates in order to make the method more applicable for forensic analysis of spore preparations. In FY07 and FY08, PNNL developed protocols to detect residual heme and hemoglobin protein as a potential indicator of the use of blood agar plates for spore preparation, carbohydrate analysis for preparation additives, and to detect solvents used in preparation methods. In FY09, these methods will then be evaluated and characterized with the completion of a quality performance plan package (QPPP) following DHS guidance.
Project Details
Start Date
2009-04-07
End Date
2012-04-08
Status
Closed
Released Data Link
Team
Principal Investigator
Team Members