Thursday, August 19, 2004

8:00 Poster & Exhibit Viewing, Coffee

NEXT GENERATION DETECTION

8:30 Chairperson’s Remarks
Dr. Nitish V. Thakor, Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Electrical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

8:35 Identifying Biomarkers from Host Response using a Human Whole Blood Model
Dr. Brett Chromy, Deputy Group Leader, Biodefense, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory 
Although detection capabilities focusing on pathogen DNA signatures have been successful, our efforts in presymptomatic detection rely on characterization of host immune response to provide biomarkers for next-generation detection. While cell culture and animal models are also being investigated, we have utilized a human whole blood model to define host response following exposure to , Y. pestis, and near neighbors of Y. pestis (Y. enterocolitica and Y. pseudotuberculosis) using advanced proteomic technologies including 2-D DIGE, SELDI-MS and protein arrays. Our results reveal shared host expression changes indicative of a common immune response; however, distinct pathogen-specific proteomic differences have been identified, representing potential blood biomarkers for early detection of pathogen exposure in support of biodefense preparedness.

9:05 Real-Time Detection of Microbial Contamination
Dr. Linda S. Powers, Director, National Center for the Design of Molecular Function, Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Professor of Biological Engineering, Adjunct Professor of Physics, Utah State University 
Using a unique combination of leading-edge technologies, we have developed a hand-held, continuous, real-time monitor for detection of microbial contamination together with microbe capture technology for identification of the microbial contamination. Detection of microbial contamination is based upon intrinsic fluorescence of the components of cells and spores. Identification is achieved by molecular recognition of pathogenesis using iron acquisition and eukaryotic receptor adhesion strategies as well as peptide ligands produced by combinatorial chemistry. Together these are capable of statistically sampling the environment for pathogens [including bacteria, fungi, spores and viruses] and exotoxins, identifying the specific pathogens/exotoxins, and determining cell viability. This system is sensitive enough to detect very low levels [~20 cells/cm² on surfaces or ~100 cells/50 mL solution] of microbes. These technologies for the detection and identification of microbial presence have been tested and characterized on surfaces, such as foods, glass, plastics, cloth, stainless steel, etc., as well as in water/liquids and air. This system has been demonstrated in water systems, air handling systems, and at SuperBowl XXXVIII [2004].

9:35 A Novel Method For Massively Parallel, Whole Genome Sequencing
Dr. Kenton L. Lohman, Senior Director, Technology and Application Assessment, 454 Life Sciences 
One of the most informative molecular tools for comparing or identifying specific organisms is nucleic acid sequence. Real- time amplification and hybridization chip technologies rely to a great degree on having a priori knowledge of the identity of the organism or marker being targeted. Unfortunately, there are many organisms that have limited published sequence data and verifying the uniqueness of specific gene targets has routinely been found to have exceptions in strain identification. Whole genome sequencing would alleviate these exceptions and provide a wealth of additional information. Sequencing as a diagnostic tool has been out of reach due to excessive time to result and cost constraints. We have developed an instrument and reagent system that massively parallel-processes all the functions of genomic sequencing including sample preparation, amplification, sequencing and data analysis. Our current throughput for re-sequencing allows the generation of a whole bacterial genome sequence within a few days by one researcher on a single instrument. Quality of the reads reaches gold standard 1/10000 error rates. We are currently scaling the system to be able to handle mammalian genomes. This technology will open the door to whole genome sequencing as a rapid, and inexpensive tool for species and strain comparison and identification.

10:05 Coffee Break, Poster & Exhibit Viewing

10:45 Electrochemiluminescence Methods in the Detection of Select Agents
Dr. Jeff Rossio, Associate Director, Biodefense Research & Development, Biodefense, BioVeris Corp. 
BioVeris Corporation develops and markets biological detection systems, based on its proprietary BV™ Technology, which provides a unique combination of sensitivity, reliability, speed and flexibility. These systems are used in multiple applications, including clinical diagnostics, pharmaceutical research and development, life science research, biodefense testing and industrial food testing. Numerous tests have been developed based on BV technology, including those for the detection of: Botulinum neurotoxins, SEA/SEB, Ricin, Botulinum toxins and Anthrax Lethal Factor Protease Assays, E. coli O157, Salmonella, Cryptosporidium, among others. 

11:15 Computational Intelligence for Pathogen Identification
Dr. Jerome Braun, Staff, Biodefense Systems, MIT Lincoln Laboratory 
An approach for automatic identification of multiple pathogens will be presented. The approach is applicable to a wide range of pathogens. Integrating molecular aspects with computational intelligence aspects, the proposed approach forms a powerful basis for multi-pathogen biodefense detection and identification.

11:45 Panel Discussion with the Speakers

12:15 Lunch on your own 

1:30 Technology Workshop

Sponsored by:

The RAZOR: A Handheld PCR Identifier; Developed for Mobile Field Testing by US Special Forces. Dr. Randy Rasmussen, COO, Todd Ritter, CDO, Idaho Technology Inc. During this workshop, Idaho Technology Inc. will demonstrate the RAZOR™ Instrument; a 9.1 lbs handheld, field hardened, bio-threat identifier for the US DoD. The workshop will include a complete set-up and run of the system demonstrating it’s ease-of-use and speed to results. It tests up to twelve samples in less than 22 minutes, and performs five runs on one battery charge. The RAZOR uses proven freeze-dried reagents in a thin-film plastic pouch format as reaction containers. Samples are loaded into the pouches with syringes, requiring no measurement and minimal operator setup. The instrument automatically determines positives and negatives and displays results on an LCD interface. Specificity and sensitivity are comparable to Idaho Technology’s successful R.A.P.I.D.® system and freeze-dried reagent kits. The RAZOR was tested and validated by the US DoD and has recently been released for use to First Responders, Homeland Defense and Security Personnel.