Development of an Optical Hand-Held Biological Evidence Detection System - miniaturize fluorescence-based biological material detector to allow detection and differentiation of crime scene evidence.

This award will provide funding for the development of a method and apparatus for the nondestructive and noninvasive detection and differentiation of biological material on non-living surfaces. This technology is based upon a demonstrated microbial detection technology capable of detecting bacteria, spores and viruses in real-time with an improved sensitivity over PCR and antibody-based methods. Project objectives include both the development of the device and preliminary testing by laboratory and law enforcement personnel.

ca/ncf