CANARY sensor for rapid, sensitive identification of pathogens

Author

Rider, T.H.

Author_Institution

Lincoln Lab., Massachusetts Inst. of Technol., Lexington, MA

fYear

2006

fDate

15-18 Jan. 2006

Firstpage

34

Lastpage

34

Abstract

We have developed a new type of sensor, dubbed CANARY (Cellular Analysis and Notification of Antigen Risks and Yields), that is able to identify pathogens in a very rapid, sensitive, and specific manner. The sensor uses genetically engineered white blood cells that emit light within seconds after being exposed to particular pathogens of interest. We have produced cells to identify a variety of bacteria and viruses, including anthrax, smallpox, plague, E. coli, and foot-and-mouth virus, and we have shown that the cells can detect fewer than 50 pathogen particles. Because of its speed and sensitivity, CANARY has the potential to revolutionize biowarfare defense, medical diagnostics, food- and water-quality monitoring, and other applications

Keywords

biosensors; blood; cellular biophysics; diseases; microorganisms; E. coli; anthrax; antigen risks notification; bacteria; biowarfare defense; canary sensor; dubbed cellular analysis; food-quality monitoring; foot-and-mouth virus; genetically engineered white blood cells; medical diagnostics; pathogen identification; plague; smallpox; water-quality monitoring; Biomedical monitoring; Genetic engineering; Laboratories; Medical diagnosis; Microorganisms; Pathogens; Risk analysis; Viruses (medical); White blood cells;

fLanguage

English

Publisher

ieee

Conference_Titel

Bio Micro and Nanosystems Conference, 2006. BMN '06

Conference_Location

San Francisco, CA

Print_ISBN

1-4244-0056-2

Electronic_ISBN

1-4244-0057-0

Type

conf

DOI

10.1109/BMN.2006.330881

Filename

4129403