Detection of biological and chemical agents using differential mobility spectrometry (DMS) technology

Up to now the analysis of aqueous samples by ion mobility spectrometry is a challenge due to the lack of suitable sample introduction systems. But just the introduction of asymmetric field strengths leading to a higher selectivity and sensitivity, this technique is of growing interest for on-site analysis of contaminated water. In this work, first results for the preparation of a portable GC-DMS system are presented. A differential mobility spectrometer (DMS) with a 63 Ni ionization source has been used as a detector for the gaschromatographic separation of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene m-, o-, and p-xylene (BTEX) in water. Separation from the matrix and pre-concentration of the analytes was achieved by solid-phase microextraction (SPME). The influence of the different chromatographic parameters, extraction conditions and differential mobility spectrometry settings on the sensitivity and signal shape were investigated. Results of the optimization of the analytical method as well as analytical validation parameters such as method detection limit, limit of quantification and the repeatability are discussed. Additionally, the applicability of the method was demonstrated by the analysis of a real surface water sample.

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“…DMS was used for the detection of chemical warfare agents [18], explosives [12] and arson investigation [24].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Determination of volatile organic compounds by solid-phase microextraction—gas chromatography-differential mobility spectrometry

Telgheder

Malinowski

Jochmann

2009

Int. J. Ion Mobil. Spec.

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“…In fact, even if in these situations it can be performed either with consolidated microbiological or immunochemical techniques and with cutting edge molecular techniques (such as microchip arrays [19]), (Real-Time PCR [20]), or with classical spectrometry technologies (such as Differential Mobility Spectrometry (DMS) [21]), none of these options can be considered a fully "real time" technique, and, in general, these techniques are limited to biological agents which are already known.…”

Section: Real-time Pcrmentioning

confidence: 99%

Use of Particle Counter System for the Optimization of Sampling, Identification and Decontamination Procedures for Biological Aerosols Dispersion in Confined Environment

Pazienza¹

2013

J Microb Biochem Technol

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In a CBRNe (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and explosive) scenario, biological agents hardly allow efficient detection/identification because of the incubation time that provides a lag in symptoms outbreak following their dissemination. The detection of atmospheric dispersion of biological agents (i.e.: toxins, viruses, bacteria and so on) is a key issue for the safety of people and security of environment. Another fundamental aspect is related to the efficiency of the sampling method which leads to the identification of the agent released; in fact an effective sampling method is needed either to identify the contamination and to check for the decontamination procedure.Environmental monitoring is one of the ways to improve fast detection of biological agents; for instance, particle counters with the ability of discriminating between biological and non-biological particles are used for a first warning when the amount of biological particles exceeds a particular threshold. Nevertheless, these systems are not able to distinguish between pathogen and non-pathogen organisms, thus, classical "laboratory" assays are still required to unambiguously identify the particle which triggered the warning signal. In this work, a combination of commercially available equipment for detection and identification of the atmospheric dispersion of biological agents was evaluated in partnership between the Italian Army, the Department of Industrial Engineering and the School of Medicine and Surgery of the University of Rome "Tor Vergata". The aim of this work, whose results are presented here, was to conduce preliminary studies on the dynamics of biological aerosols fallout after its dispersion, to improve detection, sampling and identification techniques. This will help minimizing the impact of the release of biological agents and guarantee environmental and people safety and security.

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“…However, these actions can do little to defend against a personborne explosive device; design solutions such as blast-resistant glazing may offer the hope of minimum damage and quick recovery in the worst case. High-technology sensors for early detection of explosive or chemical agents may also have a role, 24 although mass scanning of high volumes of people remains technologically challenging.…”

Section: Beyond Engineered Defencementioning

confidence: 99%

Resilient design for community safety and terror-resistant cities

Coaffee

Moore

Fletcher

et al. 2008

Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers - Municipal E

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Resilience against an array of traditional and unconventional terrorist threats is increasingly important to the way towns and\ cities are designed and managed and how built environment professionals attempt to enhance levels of community safety. This is particularly the case with regard to crowded public places and transport systems such as light rail or trams, which are seen as particularly vulnerable to terrorist attack. This paper argues that contemporary terrorist threats and tactics mean that counter-terrorism in urban areas should increasingly seek to hybridise hard and soft engineering solutions in order to design and manage the built environment in ways that can reduce the occurrence or impact of a terrorist attack. In particular, it is argued that for counter-terrorism to be successful, inter-professional solutions are required for a wide range of public, private and community stakeholders that are (or should be) involved with the planning, design, construction, operation and management of public places.

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Detection of biological and chemical agents using differential mobility spectrometry (DMS) technology

Cited by 63 publications

References 41 publications

Determination of volatile organic compounds by solid-phase microextraction—gas chromatography-differential mobility spectrometry

Determination of volatile organic compounds by solid-phase microextraction—gas chromatography-differential mobility spectrometry

Use of Particle Counter System for the Optimization of Sampling, Identification and Decontamination Procedures for Biological Aerosols Dispersion in Confined Environment

Resilient design for community safety and terror-resistant cities

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