The array biosensor for counterterrorism

The war against terrorism requires numerous sensor technologies for homeland security. For the detection of bioterrorist agents, 1) generic detectors that indicate something amiss, 2) biosensors for rapid screening and presumptive identification, and 3) identification systems for definitive confirmation are all required. The Array Biosensor addresses the second need. This biosensor can detect multiple agents simultaneously in less than 15 min, is automated, and can be used on site. This paper reports on the current version of the automated system and reviews data obtained in assays for bioterrorist agents.