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Development and Characterization of Methods for Detection of Peptide and Carbohydrate and other Organic Markers for Bioforensics


EMSL Project ID
41190

Abstract

In the course of a bioforensic investigation it may be desirable to characterize many aspects of the agent used, including strain identity, genetic fingerprint, method of production, and post-production processing. Together these characteristics create a profile for the agent used in a particular event, permitting its association with other events, thus allowing investigators to infer information about the expertise and equipment needed to carry out the attack. These projects are focused on the development of new additional methods for detection of underutilized or 'forgotten' chemical constituents available or associated with a collected threat. For example, the detection of organic signatures associated with the sample matrix and preparations would be valuable for bioforensic investigations and complement information gained through genetic characterization. We would utilize high throughput LC-MS and LC-MS/MS within the EMSL user facility for characterization of signatures that can be associated with threat agents.

Project Details

Start Date
2010-08-20
End Date
2013-07-16
Status
Closed

Team

Principal Investigator

Christina Sorensen
Institution
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Team Members

Brian Clowers
Institution
Washington State University

Karen Wahl
Institution
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

David Wunschel
Institution
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory