Abstract: A hand-held device and method of processing a biological threat agent sample such that any infectious organism is rendered harmless while preserving it for subsequent testing, the method comprising placing a sample comprising a biological threat agent in a reservoir; adding a first reagent comprising peracetic acid in sufficient concentration to reach a predetermined minimal concentration after mixing with the sample in the reservoir; inactivating the sample upon interaction of the sample with the first reagent for a predetermined period of time at a predetermined temperature; removing the inactivated sample from the reservoir; and providing the inactivated sample for subsequent diagnostic testing, wherein the subsequent diagnostic testing is unaffected by inactivation of the sample. In another embodiment, the first reagent comprises a cupric salt, which is mixed with ascorbic acid and hydrogen peroxide to generate cupric ascorbate.

Abstract: A hand-held device and method of processing a biological threat agent sample such that any infectious organism is rendered harmless while preserving it for subsequent testing, the method comprising placing a sample comprising a biological threat agent in a reservoir; adding a first reagent comprising peracetic acid in sufficient concentration to reach a predetermined minimal concentration after mixing with the sample in the reservoir; inactivating the sample upon interaction of the sample with the first reagent for a predetermined period of time at a predetermined temperature; removing the inactivated sample from the reservoir; and providing the inactivated sample for subsequent diagnostic testing, wherein the subsequent diagnostic testing is unaffected by inactivation of the sample. In another embodiment, the first reagent comprises a cupric salt, which is mixed with ascorbic acid and hydrogen peroxide to generate cupric ascorbate.

Abstract: A hand-held device and method of processing a biological threat agent sample such that any infectious organism is rendered harmless while preserving it for subsequent testing, the method comprising placing a sample comprising a biological threat agent in a reservoir; adding a first reagent comprising peracetic acid in sufficient concentration to reach a predetermined minimal concentration after mixing with the sample in the reservoir; inactivating the sample upon interaction of the sample with the first reagent for a predetermined period of time at a predetermined temperature; removing the inactivated sample from the reservoir; and providing the inactivated sample for subsequent diagnostic testing, wherein the subsequent diagnostic testing is unaffected by inactivation of the sample. In another embodiment, the first reagent comprises a cupric salt, which is mixed with ascorbic acid and hydrogen peroxide to generate cupric ascorbate.

Abstract: A multiplex PCR assay for simultaneously detecting biological threat agents whose genome is DNA or RNA, by using computational tools to identify a specific target sequence which is unique to a specific genus or species of organism and is also a conserved sequence within that group, selecting specific primer sets, creating a probe to label the target nucleic acid, extracting the target nucleic acid from a sample, amplifying the targeted nucleic acid to detectible levels and reading the presence or absence of the target nucleic acid simultaneously from all threat agents.

Abstract: This invention provides safe, non-infectious chimeras that include the nucleic acid signature of most bacterial and viral biological threat agents. These chimeras mimic properties of threat agents and are useful as simulants to develop, evaluate, test, and train on nucleic acid-based biodetectors and diagnostic products of interest in biodefense, without the need for accessing or producing virulent agents.

Abstract: This invention provides safe, non-infectious chimeras that include the nucleic acid signature of most bacterial and viral biological threat agents. These chimeras mimic properties of threat agents and are useful as simulants to develop, evaluate, test, and train on nucleic acid-based biodetectors and diagnostic products of interest in biodefense, without the need for accessing or producing virulent agents.

Abstract: Highly immunoreactive viral peptides are disclosed which are derived from the E protein of major groups of the Flavivirus genus by computational analyses. These peptides are used in reliable diagnostic methods for the detection and diagnosis of Flavivirus, detecting the presence of antibodies against Flavivirus, and to form vaccine composition(s) for the prevention of Flavivirus infections in humans.

Abstract: This invention provides safe, non-infectious chimeras that include the nucleic acid signature of most bacterial and viral biological threat agents. These chimeras mimic properties of threat agents and are useful as simulants to develop, evaluate, test, and train on nucleic acid-based biodetectors and diagnostic products of interest in biodefense, without the need for accessing or producing virulent agents.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and devices enabling simultaneous detection of several biological threat agents, including viruses and bacteria. The device includes a plurality of chambers and conduits which can be manually operated to so that reagents and sample are passed through the device and nucleic acid hybridization membranes to permit detection by the naked eye. The device has minimal logistical requirements since it is self-contained and includes all the reagents required to process a sample suspected of containing a variety of biological threat agents, it does not require electrical or other external sources of energy, it is disposable, and it can operated by a soldier or responder without microbiological training or expertise.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and products simultaneously enabling detection of several biological threat agents, including viruses and bacteria, during a combat situation or in any suspected contamination situation.

Abstract: This invention provides safe, non-infectious chimeras that include the nucleic acid signature of most bacterial and viral biological threat agents. These chimeras mimic properties of threat agents and are useful as simulants to develop, evaluate, test, and train on nucleic acid-based biodetectors and diagnostic products of interest in biodefense, without the need for accessing or producing virulent agents.