Chemical and Biological Sciences
The Chemical and Biological Sciences group is an interdisciplinary group of approximately 60 biologists, chemists, physicists and engineers that solve research and development challenges related to chemical and biological detection and forensics. Much of the work involves trace detection in complex samples including environmental, food or biological samples, and is directed toward national security missions to prevent and counter acts of terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Key challenges include: identifying the appropriate signatures, sample collection/preservation and preparation, development of detection and analysis technologies and development of approaches and analytical methods for high-confidence measurements. These challenges are addressed by three teams within the group:
For more information, contact Cindy Bruckner-Lea at (509) 375-4460 or cindy.bruckner-lea@pnl.gov
Biodefense
The research within the Biodefense team is primarily focused on biodetection and bioforensics. Research areas in biodetection include: automated sample preparation for the trace detection of pathogens in complex samples, development of rapid methods for biodetection, development of new methods for the simultaneous detection of multiple pathogens and the development of approaches for the discovery and analysis of biosignatures for the detection of host response.
Research areas in bioforensics include:
- effective sample collection and preservation methods
- sample preparation and extraction
- application of analytical methods, e.g., GC and LC separations, isotope ratio mass spectrometry, MALDI mass spectrometry, FTIR, etc.
- integrated data analysis approaches for biological attribution.
Trace Organic Analysis
The Trace Organic Analysis team has extensive capabilities for the trace detection of chemicals in complex samples. The team capabilities include:
- development of materials for enhanced separation and detection
- environmental chemical forensics
- development and testing of field-portable instrumentation for trace chemical and explosive detection
- metabolomics for pre-symptomatic detection of chemical and/or biological exposure and other applications.
Optics and Infrared Sensing
The Optics and IR team brings cutting-edge expertise and innovation to the development of optical-detection systems for the detection of chemical and biological compounds that are signatures of the production or release of chemical, biological, or nuclear materials. The team capabilities include: sensor component R&D, sensor integration, and field testing and deployment.
Research areas include:
- development of optical signature libraries
- development of chalcogenide glasses as IR waveguides and fiber optics
- quantum cascade laser characterization
- packaging, electronic control and applications
- Herriott cell infrared absorption spectroscopy
- Laser Photo Acoustic Spectroscopy
- FM Differential Absorption Lidar
- development of other novel optical detection and communication systems.