To combat the threat of biological agents like Yersinia pestis and Brucella melitensis in bioterroristic scenarios requires fast, easy-to-use and safe identification systems. In this study we describe a system for rapid amplification of specific genetic markers for the identification of Yersinia pestis and Brucella melitensis. Using chip based PCR and continuous flow technology we were able to amplify the targets simultaneously with a 2-step reaction profile within 20 minutes. The subsequent analysis of amplified fragments by standard gel electrophoresis requires another 45 minutes. We were able to detect both pathogens within 75 minutes being much faster than most other nucleic acid amplification technologies.

Date Published: 16 May 2012
PDF: 14 pages
Proc. SPIE 8367, Smart Biomedical and Physiological Sensor Technology IX, 83670F (16 May 2012); doi: 10.1117/12.920473

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 8367:
Smart Biomedical and Physiological Sensor Technology IX
Brian M. Cullum; Eric S. McLamore, Editor(s)