| In 2005, Biral launched
next-generation sensor technology which physically characterises aerosol particles in
terms of not only size, shape and concentration but also fluorescence. By increasing the number of physical particle parameters
characterised - beyond that of any existing commercial sensor - the new devices are
capable of true real-time generic biodetection. Equally important, without any requirement
for consumables, which dominate the cost of ownership for wet chemistry techniques, the
new sensor technology drastically cuts whole life costs to the end user.
Biral’s next generation VeroTect
sensor, combines our proven ASAS Technology with fluorescence characterisation.
Historically, the UK and the US Armed Forces have taken
different approaches to real-time biodetection sensor technology. Although both have
employed optical techniques, different sets of physical particle parameters have been
characterised. The UK, with the IBDS system uses particle size, shape and concentration (ASAS
Technology) whilst the US has focussed on size, fluorescence and concentration.
Biral has now enhanced ASAS Technology for
next generation sensors (available now!). Uniting the two technical approaches from the UK
and US, the new VeroTect sensors combine fluorescence measurements with ASAS characterisation.
Spectral analysis of fluorescence is known to be a very
powerful tool when distinguishing between biological aerosols, which contain
biofluorophors such as the amino acid tryptophan, and non-biological aerosols which do
not. However, existing fluorescence-only sensors have problems distinguishing the target
from common interfering aerosols with similar fluorescence. For instance, one common
interferent is fuel oil from aircraft or vehicle exhausts which trigger false alarms.
However, evaluating a greater number of independent
physical particle parameters reduces the possibility of interferent materials inducing
false alarms. The new VeroTect sensors have enhanced performance beyond the current
ASAS sensors or fluorescence-only sensors and are capable of real-time generic
detection.
Having undergone successful development and field trials
since 1994, including trials at the MOD's Defence Science & Technology Laboratories
(Dstl) at Porton Down, UK, the VeroTect sensor has now been selected for the
MOD's Integrated Sensor Management System (ISMS) under a contract recently awarded to
prime contractor Serco Assurance. ISMS is a networked suite of sensors designed to provide
timely detection and identification of chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear
(CBRN) threats.
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