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The development of devices to detect biothreat agents has introduced a need for reference materials. These reference materials will allow comparisons between detection devices and will be used to determine the accuracy and limit of detection for these devices. The characterization of biothreat agents, such as Bacillus anthracis Sterne and Ricin, will be used to produce the reference materials. Characterization of the agents includes but is not limited to quantitation, storage conditions and stability, purity of spore cultures, and antigenic properties of the spores. The reference materials will allow detectors to be compared to one another without introducing variability between samples. Measurements of Biological Threats for Water Safety in Buildings Biofilms, which occur naturally in pipe systems, may increase the persistence of biothreat agents released in the water system, and may present problems in removing the agent from the system. We are studying the adherence properties of model biothreat agents to biofilms and the proper disinfection necessary to remove them from the water system. |
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